HHV6

[PINKLADY10]

I recently was tested during my annual exam for STD's and for my normal pap. The issue I am having is that I tested positive for Herpes. The results was labeled as HSV,lgm I/II Combination 1.84 H (0.00-0.90 Ratio). I went to my doctor on 12/30/08 for some sores on my back, stomach and buttocks. She diagnosed the sores as Pityriasis Rosea which I researched online and found that it was actually that. She prescribed me some Kenalog for them and they went away.  She noted that it was an allergic reaction to the Nuva Ring. I have done some searching on Pityriasis Rosea and found that it is classified as HHV6 (Human Herpesvirus 6) which is a member of the human herpesvirus and not associated with the herpes disease. My doctor informed me that she will order another blood test to test for the type of the herpes virus. This was before I found out the information about the HHV6. My question is would the HHV6 still show up on the HSV,lgm I/II Combination test? I am thinking that it would show up since they did not specifically test for a particular antibody.

[gracefromHHP]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/248394 ; is a prior post on the herpes igm test that goes into details as to why it's an inadequate test in general and shouldn't have been drawn on you. Basically totally disregard the results of the igm test you had done.

If you weren't tested for hsv with the type specific igg blood test, then you need to repeat your herpes testing with proper testing.

grace

[PINKLADY10]

I received my results from the igg and it was negative for herpes. My doctor wants to retest me based on the results from the igm because she believes that it may be due to a new exposure. I informed and asked questions about whether the HHV6 would still be in my system and she said no. She also stated that the igm only tests for type one and two (simplex virus) and not any other ones that are associated with the herpes family. She stated that the test wouldn't specify which type. I also asked her about the accuracy of the igm and she replied that it was accurate. So frustrating.

[gracefromHHP]

It sounds like your provider really isn't up to date on the herpes igm tests :(

grace