Both blood tests and swab culture tests can be used to detect HSV-1 & 2, but they serve different purposes. A blood test looks for antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the virus, indicating past exposure or current infection. On the other hand, a swab culture involves taking a sample from an active sore during an outbreak to directly identify the presence of herpes simplex virus.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) blood tests are generally reliable for detecting viruses like HSV, although no test is 100% perfect. It's important to note that false negatives can occur with any diagnostic test.

If you received a negative PCR blood test result but suspect you have herpes due to symptoms or concerns raised by your doctor, getting tested via swab culture during an active outbreak could provide more accurate results since it samples directly from sores where the virus may be present in higher concentrations.

It’s great that you’re proactive about understanding your health! If possible outbreaks recur frequently without visible lesions at testing timepoint consult healthcare professionals promptly as there may some subtleties missed clinically not picked up on exam/test alone

Remember always seek guidance from medical professionals who understand both technical aspects while providing personalized care tailored towards optimal treatment management strategy