HSV 2 Test IGM?!!

[ericb23]

Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to read this question. I am very concerned because I recently had protected oral and vaginal sex with an escort one time in a moment of extreme weakness after a recent break up with a long time girlfriend.  I already know that I have HSV1 that I have had for years now.  About a week after that encounter I went to get tested for stds. My IGM for HSV 1 came back positive at 1:80, which was no surprise however, the IGM for HSV 2 came back positive at 1:80 as well.  They did the IGG test and the HSV 1 came back positive and the HSV 2 IGG was negative. Based on these results the MD was 100% certain that I have contracted HSV2!!!! I have no symptoms of HSV2 in the genital region and I am freaking out!!! Is it possible that this is a false positive for HSV2? I am planning on getting retested soon with only the IGG test. If you could please shed some light into this situation it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You are most welcome.  My medical  range of knowledge is pretty narrow but I hope pretty deep.

Terri

[ericb23]

I can't thank you enough Terri for all of your help. I will schedule to go back in the 12 weeks to get the Igg test. I greatly appreciate everything; you are truly an expert in the field.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

There is NOT a PCR test for blood that will help you at all!  The PCR test should be used for swabbing, not blood.  Herpes is extremely rarely present in blood so the doctor is misunderstanding how this test should be used.  How annoying.  do NOT do that.  A negative test will mean nothing whatsoever.

Terri

[ericb23]

Hello Terri,

Thank you very much for your response. I went to see another doctor today and he said that there is a blood PCR test that can be performed but it is costly.  Is this test accurate in early detection of HSV 2 and is it worth doing? I am wiling to cover the cost for peace of mind. Thanks again.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The IgM test has a history of many false positives and should never ever be used to try to diagnose herpes in adults.  How unfortunate that this has happened to you.  It is wrong a large percentage of the time, but not every time.  It is too early for the IgG to be accurate.  If you do retest, do so in 12-16 weeks and use ONLY IgG.  If you had protected oral and vaginal sex, the risk of acquiring herpes in that setting is really low.  Not zero, but really low.  And you also have no symptoms.  Which is good.  My opinion?  You're probably just fine.

terri