Conflicting HSV2 results

[coping03]

I was tested last March for herpes as part of an STD screening.  The results from Labcorp were HSV 2 IgG 1.19.  SInce the result was low my doctor advised me to test again which I did 12 days later with Labcorp.  The result was 1.53 for HSV2 IgG.  I started Valtrex since my doctor said I was positive.  I had no symptoms at the time, but he said it would help reduce transmission.  I was then tested again at Labcorp in June and my result was HSV2 IgG  1.13.  I was also tested at that time for HSV1 which came back 1.82.  Again I was told I was positve.  I have since been diagnosed with a yeast infection.  I also found out that results under the 3.0-3.5 range might be a false positive.  I told this to my doctor who ordered the same tests again.  I had the bloodwork done last week and the result was that I tested negative for HSV2.  The report just shows that I am negative (<0.91) is what the report says.  I understand that there can be false positives, but does this mean that I don't have HSV2?

[Mistakeguy789]

Please start your own post by clicking on the post a question button on the main herpes forum.  We will gladly help you there.

[algad]

I was just advised by my Doctor that my IgG test was 1.53 for HSV 2. I have NEVER had any signs or symptoms. Could the test be wrong? Should I retest? Is the IgG test Herpes specific or could something else be going on? How often do false positive results occur?

Pleas Help

[coping03]

Thanks!  It's hard to belieive that I have been living with this issue for almost a year and now I still don't know my status.  Hopefully, the next test in a month will give me a definitive answer.  I am still trying to sort this out.

Do the studies you referred to say whether the effect of antivirals make you more likely to test falsely negative or falsely positive?  

[gracefromHHP]

A one time culture without any obvious symptoms isn't of much help. Odds are you aren't actively shedding the virus for the culture to pick up on it.

Some studies do show that antivirals can affect the herpes blood tests - we don't really have a good handle on how often or if it's really a significan amount or not.

grace

[coping03]

Thank you Grace.  You have been a big help!  I will tell my doctor to do either the WB or Biokit.  I just had a question about the antivirals and testing.

Do the antiviral medications affect your test results making you more likely to be either positve or negative?

Also, can the doctor do a culture even though I don't have any sores or other signs of an outbreak?  I understand that it might be negative, but if the culture is positive, is that conclusive even though my blood test after a year is now negative?

Thanks again.

[gracefromHHP]

The biokit would be an ok confirmatory test too to have done. Just make sure you've been off antivirals at least a month.

Non-stop itching isn't due to herpes.

grace

[coping03]

Thanks for your response.  I am new to this, so I hope I am posting this the correct way.  I should have mentioned that I started having itching and irration when I started the Valtrex, so after 2 months on Valtrex I switched to Famir and still had itching and irrationan so I then switched to acyclovir.  My doctor and I believe there is something else going on and the culture confirmed yeast which I am currently being treated for.  The doctor said if it was herpes that one of those medications should have worked and I should not have itching and irratation 5 out of 7 days a week.  I stopped the acyclovir when the last blood test came back negative.

Do the antiviral medications affect your test results making you more likely to be either positve or negative? Is that why you advised me to stop the Valtrex?

I've never had any sores or other signs of an outbreak, can the doctor do a culture anyway?  I understand that if it is negative that is not conclusive.  But if it comes back positive would that be conclusive, event though my most recent blood test was negative?

I will look into the WB, but I was wondering if I would get a definitve answer if I had the Biokit done?

Sorry for so many questions, I am very confused and not sure what tests will give me a definitve answer, if any.

[gracefromHHP]

I'd stop the valtrex if you are still taking it. I'd wait 1 month and then get a herpes WB blood test done.

grace