HSV: IGG(Anti-bodies) vs. PCR (DNA-Blood testing) vs. Western Blot testing

I have a question about which test it the best to determine if one does or doesn't have HSV-1, HSV-2 (Herpes).
I recently tested positive when my doctor made me do the IGG testing (anti-bodies). So I guess my body is fighting the herpes virus inside me. I would like to know more about PCR DNA testing and Western Blot testing and whats the difference with both of these in their approach and how they find HSV?

Okay say, hypothetically, I took either one or both these test right now and they both can out positive for HSV  Then I get myself retested, say 6 months from now, got a negative results either from PCR-DNA or Western Blot or other both. Could I say I'm herpes free? Cause the PCR could not find any DNA of the virus in me?
Which test is more definitive in saying yes this person has or doesn't have HSV?

Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

you had non-type specific testing done. your provider wasted your time with this testing :(

pcr blood testing for herpes is worthless for adults. herpes is not a blood borne infection so it isn't routinely detected in pcr blood testing. we use pcr testing on active lesions, not blood.

you have absolutely no reason to seek out pcr testing on  your csf.

grace

[gracefromHHP]

you never, ever want to have pcr blood testing done to test for herpes.

what was your igg results - e.g. hsv1 igg 7.8 and hsv2 igg 3.3 or whatever they were?

grace

[89vsop]

Hello Grace,

Thank you for responding to my questions.
At the time you commented on my question I didn't not have the paper work that the lab had sent to my doctor. I did stop by his office and got photo copies of the results he/his office received. Unfortunately it doesn't say much :(

"Herpes Simplex Virus IgG                                                     30/Oct/2012
    Anti HSV IgG                  **
                                           Reactive.
                                           INTERPRETATION:
                                           Evidence of past infection with HSV. This assay does not distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 or 2.

*/** General Laboratory - Abnormal Text Result"

I want to go back to my doctor and tell him to get me the test that tells me the numbers for HSV-1 and HSV-2. What is that test called?

Why wouldn't you want to get a PCR-DNA blood test for herpes?
My doctor said he liked PCR tests :S
Would everyone test Negative if they got this test done even if they actually did have herpes? What about the spinal fluid PCR testing??

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

you had non-type specific testing done. your provider wasted your time with this testing :(

pcr blood testing for herpes is worthless for adults. herpes is not a blood borne infection so it isn't routinely detected in pcr blood testing. we use pcr testing on active lesions, not blood.

you have absolutely no reason to seek out pcr testing on  your csf.

grace

[89vsop]

I'm going to be making another appointment with my doctor to go the other test done. I remember him telling me that we could find out how old the infection is but I know when (when I was 18/19 years old - I'm 23 now) and then he said and we could find out which one is it but we know that already (HSV-2 I've had an outbreak). But for personal knowledge I'm going to ask for it done anyways.

In what instance is PRC testing on CSF done for herpes?
Is a Western Blot test good for herpes? Whats the difference between PCR and a Western Blot test if they are both test done by drawing out blood? Will I always be Positive with IgG anti body test?

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

there is a whole section on testing for herpes in the free herpes handbook we recommend in our read before posting post on the forum.

at this point seek out a type specific herpes igg blood test any time after 3 months after you last had sex.

[89vsop]

Hello Grace,
I haven't been able to find that "free herpes handbook we recommend" anywhere on this site. Would you please be so kind to provide the link to the handbook. thanks! :)

[gracefromHHP]

http://www.westoverheights.com/handbook.htm