Do I really have HSV2

[cheese123]

I went in for a std test not thinking any think would show considering I have never had and symtoms, but me and my ex were getting back together and she is a virgin and wanted me to go in just to be sure.  I took a IGG test for HSV1 and HSV2, the hsv1 came back negative but I was stunned that the hsv2 had come back positive at a 1.17 level.  I have had chicken Pox and Mono if that makes a difference and none of my old girlfriends have ever had any symtoms or been tested positive.   I didn't really understand this because because my ex girlfriends sister is a PA and said I shouldn't worry, but it still is in the back of my head all the time if you have any advice I would really appricaite it.  I have also read on this web site about others peoples story's with low test results and just don't know with such a low level what is really going on?

[gracefromHHP]

chances are good that it's a false positive but you'll need additional confirmatory testing before you can assume that. also how long before you were tested had you last had sex?

grace

[cheese123]

why is it that when you go to a doctors office they will not test for HSV unless you have a outbreak is it because of reasons like this?  And why do they give bllod tests when they can lead you into false thinking because it can really mess with your head?

[gracefromHHP]

Any blood test for anything has a false positive rate.  How many of us question the false positive/false negative rate of any test we have done by our doctor's?  I know I don't in general.

Many practioners are still under educated about herpes testing. Others just don't want to have to deal with it all unless you have obvious symptoms.

grace

[cheese123]

there is alot that I don't understand about these tests so sorry if I ask to many questions.  How is it that you can still have the HSV2 antibodies but not be positive since the positive testing level is at 1.1 and not zero and also why do they even use levels.  Does this mean if your test was at a level of 5.0 you have more antibodies in you.  And since the test cannot tell you if you actually have the virus and just the antibodies can the antibodies hurt you? And thanks for all your help it makes me feel alot better.

[cheese123]

Is there anything else that can make you test positive?

[gracefromHHP]

There is some cross reactivity between hsv1 and hsv2 for starters.  

No the antibodies to herpes don't hurt you. The antibodies are your body's way of fighting the virus.  It's a normal part of the immune process.

At this point you need to follow up with additional testing.  As I asked before - when was the last time you had had sex with anyone else prior to getting tested?

grace

[cheese123]

it was 6 weeks ago

[cheese123]

so if this is a false positive than my next test would beblow 1.1 or the same?
I have a few other questions?

1. Are the HSV2 antibodies found in anything else and do to past illnisses like chicken pox or mono effect those results?

2. with such low results how do doctors regulate when a person is positive or negative with a positive level set a 1.1?

3.I took my test through lab corp it was a nation wide std testing number is that a good place to go or is your personal doctor better?

4.With my results if I passed the level of antibodes I had to another person what will happen?

5.How many people in situations like mine ended up not having HSV2?

6. What is an antibody level that would give you a for sure positive?

If you could answer these question it would realy help I want to learn as much as i can and thanks again for all the help

[gracefromHHP]

The herpes blood test that labcorp is currently offering has a longer seroconversion time. Your choices at this point are - repeat the same blood test in another 10 weeks and see what it shows.  Your other choice is wait 6 weeks and get a herpes biokit hsv2 igg blood test.  You can also chose to get a herpes WB blood test at the 4 month mark too - it's your choice.

grace

[cheese123]

what is seroconversion time?

[gracefromHHP]

The time it takes until you've built up enough detectable antibodies for the tests we have today to pick up on your infection.  It takes awhile for your blood ( sero ) to reflect the infection ( conversion ).

grace

[cheese123]

so is it better to go through someone else next time?

[gracefromHHP]

labcorp is fine. Just know that there are times to wait and they differ depending on the test you use.

grace

[Candace41]

How long should someone wait for a accurate herpes test through labcorp?

[cheese123]

thank you for all your help this gave me a helpful boost that I don't actually have genital hepes

[cheese123]

what is a level that you deffently know you have been infected?

[STRONGER1]

so i had my first outbreak on 2/5/2009 went to urgent care on 2/7/2009 the doc said i had herpedic ulcerations of the vulva and took a sample with a cotton swab the result was .91 i was still taking the eds he gave me and he suggested to go see my doc or obgyn ...couldn't get into the obgyn for a week so i saw my primary doc who sent me to get a blood test at questdiagnostic  thank god they are open on weekends so i went that next day ...i got my test results back from the blood tests which confirmed i tested negative for herpes hiv chlamydia and syphillis... how acurate are theses test results i am still taking precautions and not ingaging in any type of physical or sexual contact and have a appointment with my obgyn on the 17th so... all the previous partners i contacted and they all said they had negative results...!!

[gracefromHHP]

You won't get a .91 result from a lesion culture. Did you also have a blood test done initially that came back as .91?

How long prior to your symptoms had you last had sex?

grace