Can the test be wrong 6 1/2 months post exposure

[Healthfailing2011]

I am a 36 year old male that had unprotected receptive oral with a CSW back in March.  3 weeks after this event I developed small pimple like bumps on the head of my penis. Additionally I had night chills and  flu like symptoms. I immediately tested through Labcorp (stdtestexpress.com -8 panel test) and was negative for all tests.  The herpes test is the igg type specific test and that came back negative for both types.  The bumps receded slightly but never really went away, so I went to planned Parenthood but they didn’t think it was Herpes at that time and they don’t test for Herpes at that site.  I read that it may take up to 16 weeks for tests to turn positive, so at 4 ½ months post exposure I retested through Labcorp.  Once again Negative for all STI, (negative for both types <.91).  
I was ecstatic with the results even though I was still concerned about the pimples/bumps. Then at about 6 months I had a breakout of pimples on my buttocks and lower back primarily, but then there were random lesions on my inner thigh and under my leg.  These were/are  painful at times, some scab over and others leak puss. Folliculitis?  I was concerned again, so after a couples of weeks I tested again, with the 8 panel test (better value) and was negative for all tests. Great , I thought, but 2 weeks later (now) I have 2 blisters  on the head of my penis, much more pronounced than before. They don’t itch or hurt considerably.  I cannot get into Planned Parenthood for a couple weeks for a culture, but I am in need of conclusive confirmation. Does anyone have any advice as to my next step? I was thinking I would try Quest Diagnostics b/c they use Herpeselect – Is there a way that I could get a western blot? I live on the east coast. Any suggestions? Could this be something other that Herpes?

[change2015]

Did you ever find out if you really had hsv1?

[gracefromHHP]

no, no more blood testing at this point. changes in the igg are meaningless at this point.

[Healthfailing2011]

Hi Grace,  what do you suggest if my symptoms don't reoccur or at least not significantly? aren't HSV1 outbreaks in the genital region supposed to happen less often and less intensely?  

Should I wait a couple of weeks and see if the number increases or falls below positive?

[gracefromHHP]

no easy way to know if your hsv1 status is a true positive or not. even the best blood tests still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections so even getting a WB might not be the most accurate answer.

if your symptoms reoccur, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance.

[Healthfailing2011]

Ok, so I followed your advce and went to see my primary but I couldn't get in until last Thurs afternoon.  She didn't culture because the bumps had receded and were barely visible anymore. No other test because I told her I had blood tested recently.  
I still needed some type of confirmation so I contacted tstd.org and went and took another blood test, this time through quest (herpeselect) instead of labcorp. Just got my results online, type 1 iGg 1.64 positive, type 2 iGg <.90 negative.  
I just don't get it.. At 6.5 months post exposure  all negative but two weeks later at 7 months type1 positive. Any new advice?

[Griever3000]

I dunno about that, im sure these tests are conclusive at a certain time period , especially the westerblot test. The one youre talking about is the type specific IGG test that misses 1 out of 10 but it gives you a reason why. here read this:

" The sensitivity of the type specific IgG tests for HSV 2 in an STD
clinic population is about 98% and for HSV 1, 91% (it misses about one out of 10).  The  specificity of the HSV 2 test is about 97%.  Basically, that means there could be 3 false  positives out of 100 positive tests. Studies indicate that most of the false positives occur  with index values between 1.1 and 3.5 (low positives); it rarely happens with index values over 3.5.  For those with low positive results, it is recommended to confirm  testing by a second kind of test, perhaps herpes Western blot from the University of Washington, if enough time has elapsed since possible infection.  

Not everyone develops antibody at the same rate. Typically, by 3 weeks, about 50% of people who are going to make antibody have done so; by 6 weeks, about 70%; and by six months, most everyone who is going to make detectable antibody will have done so. Testing too soon after possible infection may give you false negative results."

so from your case it sounds that youre pretty much in the clear. Im sure that getting it checked out from a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist will definitley rule out the possibility of infection.

heres the link just in case you want to see for yourself:
http://www.herpeselect.com/healthcare/counseling.pdf

[Healthfailing2011]

What I have learned from reading this forum over the past few months is that Herpes testing is not perfect. I believe I read on this forum that even the best tests miss 1 in 10 herpes infections, also that some people may never develop enough antibodies to test positive even though they have it. Like I mentioned in my initial post , I was happy with my results but then I have some suspicious symptoms.  As you can see by Grace's response, I need to still see a doctor to try to rule out herpes infection even after blood testing 6 1/2 months out.Wouldn't it be nice to hear that the test was absolutely conclusive?

[gracefromHHP]

HIPAA laws protect you against a family member who works there. they aren't allowed to look at your chart unless they are caring for you. if they tell anyone else what is on your chart, they lose their job !!

this isn't likely to be herpes so no reason not to see your regular provider.

[Griever3000]

I dont understand why you would need further testing after getting a herpes type select test negative after 4 1/2 months past exposure. Wouldnt they be legitimate after such time?

[Healthfailing2011]

Thank you for your advice.  I attempted to get into an STD clinic but the earliest appointment was next week. I cannot go to my primary b/c a relative works as a nurse in the network.  Based on posts I have read wouldn't it be too late to have an accurate culture past 48 hrs? I noticed the new bumps this past Friday night.  The bumps that had been on the head have receded under the skin. If I put pressure on them they can be slightly visible. The new bumps are bigger.

To clarify about pain and itching, the head is tender and I have slight pain in  my abdomen but the actual bumps don't seem to hurt. Would herpes pain be directly on the sores?

The bumps/ pimples on my buttocks and lower back do hurt and itch occasionally.

Can you tell me why you don't suggest a WB?

Would taking another type specific blood test / different brand help? I thought the blood tests were pretty accurate past 3 -4 months.  

Thanks again, your advice is greatly appreciated.

[gracefromHHP]

you would not still have herpes bumps on your penis this long afterwards - they would've healed and been completely gone.

I recommend going to be seen somewhere today for a work up. if they suspect herpes, they can do a lesion culture and typing on them. these don't sound like herpes since they don't hurt or itch at all and you also have negative testing for herpes too.   I don't suggest a WB - I suggest being seen promptly for an exam.

grace