Herpes test follow up

[giraffe7983]

Hi,
Sorry to bother you again, but you give excellent advice and future visitors can be helped by your answers.
I asked a couple questions a few weeks ago and I mentioned that I came positive for the Elisa IGG test at 3.53 H for herpes. The baseline was .90.
Today, I went to the doctor and tested for the POCKit for confirmation. I did the test twice because on the first one, the blood from the tube splattered on the top of the test. The POCKit test came back negative and only one faint dot showed up after 10 minutes.
I called the CDC and they suggested that I have the Herpes Select test. Should I get this test for confirmation or just let it go?
Personally, I'm tired of getting these tests and would like to let the issue go. They are time consuming and costly.
I would like to move on with my life. Should I let my future partner(s) know that I'm ok. Thank you so much for your help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

To be honest, I am not familiar with either the PocKit test or the Herpes Select test.  As I've mentioned in the previous notes, I don't think the tests matter all that much wither way, but if the CDC recommends the Herpes Select test and that may confirm the negative PocKit, it's probably worth your going all the way to the end of the testing journey and setting the record straight.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[giraffe7983]

Thank you so much for your help.

[giraffe7983]

I called back the CDC and they stated that the only reliable HSV blood test are the Western Blot, Herpes Select, and POCKit assay test.

My personal advice to visitors of this site: If you don't have an outbreak, don't get a blood test. It can place you through an emotional dilemma that can possibly be avoided. Only my personal advice.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Agreed.

Dr. Rockoff

[modgrrrl]

But if you haven't had an outbreak but suspect you have herpes shouldn't you get tested to be sure?  Otherwise you're more likely to pass HSV on to other folks.

[tjt]

Question 1

I tested 6 months ago for HSV and the test came back positive for antibodies at 11.7 H.  At the time of the test, I had a sore inside of my mouth.  I waited another 6 months and took the test again.  After giving blood for this second test, I realized that I had another sore inside my mouth.  This time, it came back 12.9 H positive for HSV 1&2 antibodies.  The test did not seperate HSV 1 from HSV 2.  I have no signs or symptoms for HSV.  What do the differences in the numbers mean?  Should I follow this up with the Herpes Select Test?

Question 2

I am planning on getting a volunteer sterilization.  Will this prevent me from passing any of the antibodies for HSV, if I have it?

[stacia]

Sterilization won't prevent you from passing on HSV1 or HSV2. The virus is passed on through skin to skin contact, when it travels up through the nerves and sheds through the skin. HSV1 can be passed on in saliva as well. There is really no way to prevent shedding of the HSV virus altogether, even supressive therapy on reduces shedding.

[stacia]

Oh, and if you suspect you have herpes, by all means get tested! Why risk putting someone else through an outbreak, and giving them herpes? As emotional as it is to test for herpes, it's much more emotional to actually have it, and to realize you got it from someone who thought they might have had it, and didn't even care to get tested or tell you.