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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Help... what do these blood results (#'s) mean?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Help... what do these blood results (#'s) mean?
by jg453, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
Hello Dr.,
Me again... I originally wrote a couple of posts ago about a small rash of bumps below my naval, but above my genitalia. The blood work revealed a "very low" level of 1.1 relative to a "normal" range of .01-.09, but they're still testing for which herpes. I have had cold sores in my mouth at numerous times in my life, so they said to expect some type of positive response. While I agonize over awaiting the final results, what does this mean in your expert opinion? Is the clinic correct that if I were to currently have an active herpes-2 outbreak (first bump appeared 13 days ago, other bumps showed up 9 days ago), that the numbers should be higher? Is it true, based on the number and the fact that the very small blisters (which are not connected) are not on my penis, that it may be herpes zoster? Thak you for any feedback.
Me again... I originally wrote a couple of posts ago about a small rash of bumps below my naval, but above my genitalia. The blood work revealed a "very low" level of 1.1 relative to a "normal" range of .01-.09, but they're still testing for which herpes. I have had cold sores in my mouth at numerous times in my life, so they said to expect some type of positive response. While I agonize over awaiting the final results, what does this mean in your expert opinion? Is the clinic correct that if I were to currently have an active herpes-2 outbreak (first bump appeared 13 days ago, other bumps showed up 9 days ago), that the numbers should be higher? Is it true, based on the number and the fact that the very small blisters (which are not connected) are not on my penis, that it may be herpes zoster? Thak you for any feedback.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
This is not herpes zoster (shingles), as that is a recurrence of chickenpox and so not relevant to your situation.
I don't know what a "very low level of 1.1" means, since I don't know what "1.1" refers to. For proper interpretation of lab results, you need to ask the doctor who took the test. I can't answer your question based on the data you gave me. Basically, you will need to wait for whatever final results are still pending.
For a good explanation of the interpretation of herpes blood tests, see www.herpesdiagnosis.com.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
I don't know what a "very low level of 1.1" means, since I don't know what "1.1" refers to. For proper interpretation of lab results, you need to ask the doctor who took the test. I can't answer your question based on the data you gave me. Basically, you will need to wait for whatever final results are still pending.
For a good explanation of the interpretation of herpes blood tests, see www.herpesdiagnosis.com.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (3)
by jg453, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
To: more info for Doctor
Follow-up... if it means anything, I don't have any other symptoms, such as fever, swollen glands, etc. I realize that it takes time for significant levels of antibodies to materialize, but given it's at least 3 weeks since any possible exposure, would there at least be a higher level than 1.1? Thank you.
by robert in atlanta, Dec 30, 2003 12:00AM
Hey, I had the herpes blood test done also. 1.1 is still considered negative if you had the new HerpeSelect test done, but anything over 1.1 is considered positive. If you just got herpes, the test could still be negative but be positive later on, like 3-4 months later on. I think you should have another test done later, don't you?
