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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!
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!
Best Answer
I'll have a go at some answers.
1. It is simply fact that people with HSV infections do not have the virus in their blood generally. You can perform a PCR on anything. For HSV PCR is very useful on swabbed lesions and other fluids from spinal taps etc. trying to detect whether the virus has gone traveling in the body and causing serious issues. I do not know why some doctors order the tests in the hope of a general diagnosis. I have no idea why labs do the tests, they're just order takers.
2. Infected people will just about always test negative with blood PCR. Every now and again they may test positive if the virus is 'active' and shedding into the bloodstream.
Westernblot is an entirely different test. It looks for the antibodies to the virus and not the virus itself. These are blood borne. Hence over 99% of infected people test positive on Westernblot.
3. Only if the virus has spread internally to the central nerve system would a spinal tap reveal the virus.
4. The Westernblot is the best test. Your antibodies are always present whether you are having an outbreak or not. You can have the test anytime.
However for you a good starting place is a commercial IgG antibody test type specific for HSV1 and HSV2. Have you had this test?
1. It is simply fact that people with HSV infections do not have the virus in their blood generally. You can perform a PCR on anything. For HSV PCR is very useful on swabbed lesions and other fluids from spinal taps etc. trying to detect whether the virus has gone traveling in the body and causing serious issues. I do not know why some doctors order the tests in the hope of a general diagnosis. I have no idea why labs do the tests, they're just order takers.
2. Infected people will just about always test negative with blood PCR. Every now and again they may test positive if the virus is 'active' and shedding into the bloodstream.
Westernblot is an entirely different test. It looks for the antibodies to the virus and not the virus itself. These are blood borne. Hence over 99% of infected people test positive on Westernblot.
3. Only if the virus has spread internally to the central nerve system would a spinal tap reveal the virus.
4. The Westernblot is the best test. Your antibodies are always present whether you are having an outbreak or not. You can have the test anytime.
However for you a good starting place is a commercial IgG antibody test type specific for HSV1 and HSV2. Have you had this test?
1 Comments
https://www.labcorp.com/.EdosPortlet/TestMenuLibrary?libName=File+Library&compName=L10893
Its been over a year and half since I’ve last posted here and my last outbreak. I'm currently experiencing one right now. Again I turn my attention in dealing with HSV and arming myself with more medical literature on this topic. As I read through the information I’ve gathered before and all resources I've found, including the handbook linked above, my questions from a year ago have still yet to be answered. Nowhere in the handbook speaks specially about PRC blood testing. It only talks about PRC swab/culture testing. It even has its own section on blood testing but there is no mention of blood testing with PRC. Again my question from before still stand.
1) If PCR-DNA blood test for herpes is completely useless, then why do lab companies like LabCorp even offered them patients, let alone exist?
2) Are you implying that everyone tests Negative if they did a PCR-DNA blood test or a Western Blot blood test even if they are in fact infected with herpes?
3) Would a spinal fluid PCR-DNA test on a herpes infect person demonstrate that same negative result?
4) What test is more definitive in saying yes this person has or doesn't have HSV without using anti-bodies as a marker and while not physically experiencing an outbreak?
Please bring some clarity by answering these questions.
Thanks
1) If PCR-DNA blood test for herpes is completely useless, then why do lab companies like LabCorp even offered them patients, let alone exist?
2) Are you implying that everyone tests Negative if they did a PCR-DNA blood test or a Western Blot blood test even if they are in fact infected with herpes?
3) Would a spinal fluid PCR-DNA test on a herpes infect person demonstrate that same negative result?
4) What test is more definitive in saying yes this person has or doesn't have HSV without using anti-bodies as a marker and while not physically experiencing an outbreak?
Please bring some clarity by answering these questions.
Thanks
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! :)
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! :)
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.
at this point seek out a type specific herpes igg blood test any time after 3 months after you last had sex.
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
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
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
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
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
what was your igg results - e.g. hsv1 igg 7.8 and hsv2 igg 3.3 or whatever they were?
grace
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
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