False-Positive

Is it true that a blood test for herpes 2 can be false-positive?  I have never had any type of outbreak but was told that I have antibodies for herpes 2.

[gracefromHHP]

we can look at your test results for you to see if you need additional confirmatory testing.  Just post the numeric results - ie hsv1 igg 5. 2 and hsv2 igg 4. 9 or whatever they are. that's all the info from the test we need to see.

grace

[gypsygrlisu]

YES it is very possible if you are using the igm test.  
I went in for a routine STD screening knowing that I had unprotected sex within the last year but also knowing that I had no symptoms of any kind.  The Dr called me less than a week after my yearly pap and STD screening and told me over the phone that I had type 1 or type 2 and they didnt know which or may never be able to determine which type unless i had an outbreak.  she then proceeded to tell me that i may NEVER have any outbreak of any kind.  This meant that not only would it be possible that i had one type or the other but I may never be able to find out who i contracted it from or how.  The Drs exact words were "herpes is a tough one make sure you have sex with the "right guy"."  Okay that just didnt make sense to me.  I contacted the last two partners I had and niether had any symptoms of any kind.  I called the Dr back and asked for a copy of the results and she mailed them to me.  The IGM came up 1.80 which is positive and "recent exposure".  The IGG was negative.  I just wasnt going to accept that on one Drs opinion so I called the health dept and several STD clinics and to be totally honest not very many people give a hoot about Herpes because it isnt life threatening.  Or at least thats what the Health Dept in my state told me.  Nobody knew about the IGMvs IGG testing.  This forum made me seek out a new Dr and tell her my story.  I stressed for over a month.  I just got my second test results today and the Dr tested for Type 1 and Type 2 and both were negative.  I am going to be tested again in 6 months but what a relief AND this forum helped me.  whooo had to let that all out.  

[tabby302]

I hope you can help. I tested positive for hsv2 last week (Nov.2) through Planned Parenthood who did a HerpesSelect test. I've never had any symptoms, but have had a handful of cold sores over the years, most recently at the end of September.I had the std test because my bf and I broke up and a friend who was a medic in the Army at the same time my bf was told me horror stories about what a barnyard it was. When my bf and I first got together, we had 2 condom mishaps within a week, so I went for testing to be sure that I was OK then, so that if anything did develop, I'd know where it came from. I then got on Depo Provera and continued unprotected sex for a year and 1/2 with him  I have had several std tests over the years to "check In" occasionally, all of which were negative, but it was only this time that I discovered that std tests only cover Chlamydia, gonorrhea and something else, but NOT herpes, hep or syph. Those have to be specifically asked for. So, how do I know the test was accurate since I've read that there are mistakes? What is a good way to confirm without symptoms, since I've also heard that the most definitive test must be a culture on a lesion and I've never had one? Last but not least, why the hell isn't it part of routine std tests? All these years, I've thought I'd been responsible and clear, now to find out that it wasn't enough.You don't know you have something if it's not looked for! Not to undermine the ones that are tested for, but seriously, a shot and they're gone. HSV2 ruins lives and is not looked for. So very unfair. If I get a copy of the actual results, what am I looking for? If I go to my reg. dr. for a confirmation test or re test, what should I ask for? I doubt that I will go back to PP since they are the ones I've trusted all these years since they are the "pros" yet they never let on that their tests are not all inclusive, even when I've requested "Everything". Apparently, this happens way too often for my comfort. How many people thought they were tested for everything but unknowingly have hsv2?