Herpes inhibition test

[jj789463]

I tested positive for herpes on a hsv2 igg test (dont remember result, it was a low negative like 1.65 or something).  I wanted to get a confirmation so i got a herpes inhibition test.  Which was NEGATIVE.  The results said this:

"The HSV-2 IgG screening assay was repeated at
      Focus Diagnostics, and the result was not positive
      (i.e., the index was <1.10); thus, the inhibition
      study result could not be determined.
      This assay is intended only for samples giving a
      positive index in the HerpeSelect HSV-2
      type-specific IgG screening ELISA. A POSITIVE
      inhibition study interpretation indicates true
      HSV-2 specific reactivity, whereas a NEGATIVE
      inhibition study interpretation indicates that the
      positive screening index was falsely positive."

My question is this:  The website I ordered the test through said i should get retested because i had sex 3 days before i got the blood drawn for this test.  Which was with a partner that i am confident is negative.  So, Im wondering if having sex right before having this test done would hinder the results??  Or is the website trying to get more money out of me?

Also, Ive never had any symptoms or anything.  I got the test as a routine test after sex with someone just to keep my anxiety under control.  No real reason to perform the test.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, that's not correct.  The sex itself doesnt' change the result, waiting the right amount of time after that encounter can.

Terri

[jj789463]

Ive never had any symptoms or anything.  So it was hard to believe.  But, yea the partner who I had sex with recently i was not concerned about i got the original test because of an encounter months before.  The people who worked at the website made it seem like that having sex too close to having the inhibition test done would make the test incorrect.

  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm not a fan of the inhibition assay as a confirmatory test but I'm sure it is correct some of the time, just not sure it is always correct.  I prefer to use the western blot as a confirmatory test but it is not as easy to acquire as the inhibition assay.  

The act of having sex just prior to testing has nothing at all to do with the results.  The reason they suggested retesting is that the tests you are having done are all looking for antibody.  this is a protein that you MAKE in response to an infection, not something you directly acquire from someone else.  It takes time to make antibody.  Some people make it within a couple of weeks and other take up to four months.  So when you test too soon, you may get a false negative result.  Does that help explain why they are suggesting that you test again?  However, if you are absolutely certain that your partner has no HSV infection, this is not relevant to your situation.  

I think it is a good sign that you inhibition assay was negative.  My concern with this test is more about false positives.  

Terri