Help interpretting IgG, IgM, and culture test

[UberConfused09]

Hi, maybe someone out there can help answer some questions I have about my recent test results. A week ago I went to the walk-in clinic, first doctor said it looked like Herpes Simplex. He took a culture swab, and sent me for the blood tests the same day.
I got the results back today, and req. a copy of the test results. The different doctor I saw today said I was clean and had nothing to worry about. But after looking over the test, I see the culture swab result said it was a positive for herpes simplex (did not give a type of herpes simplex).
The test type and results follow:
HSV Type 1/2 Combined Ab Screen, IgG: Result 1.56
HSV Type 1/2 Combined Ab, IgM: Result 1.53
According to the test, anything above 1.10 is a positive. So needless to say I'm confused why the second doctor would said I'm perfectly fine, unless he failed to review the results properly? How do I go about determining whether I have HSV-1 or HSV-2, by requesting an IgG specific type test? And/or wait for another outbreak (if/when one happens) and have it swabbed, tested, and request the type? From what I've read, when the herpes culture is positive its almost 100% clear of a herpes infection. I'm concerned over the type due to the possibility, frequency, and transmission that varies slightly by whether its type 1 or 2. And, have no idea why the 2nd Dr. would say "You're fine, this just shows you were exposed to it sometime in the past."

Thanks for any advice!

[petal130]

An IgM blood test as well as an IgG combined test are worthless in diagnosing herpes.

As to the swab, next time (if there is one) be seen right away for it.

The correct blood test is and IgG type specific blood test.

[gracefromHHP]

The lesion culture being positive means you have herpes but you don't know what type yet.  I recommend calling the clinic that did it and asking them to call the lab to see if they still have it so that they can order it to be typed. They should be routinely ordering typing on their herpes cultures. The CDC even recommends it.

As petal already commented - the test you had on your blood was worthless. You need to repeat it with the proper test.  If you have a regular partner, they too need a type specific herpes igg blood test done.

grace

[UberConfused09]

Thanks for your help and advice! Yes, I've read Dr. Hansfield's replies about the complete unreliability of the IgM testing and his advocacy of the IgG specific test, but please bear with me while I try to wrap my brain around all of this!

So for the IgG type test, would that be the Herpes Select test, or any kind of IgG type specific test will do? Also, should I wait a month before getting an IgG specific test? (I recall seeing some posts suggesting something along the lines of waiting awhile to be retested?)

Yes, my partner went in for a blood test and will be getting her results back any day now. I believe I acquired it from her, so I'm eager to see what those results say; in a absolutely non-judgmental, supportive, and understanding way.

[gracefromHHP]

Wait and see what your partner's results are and then I can help you decide how long you should wait before repeating your blood test. We know your combined test was + most likely from your former hsv1 oral infection so if your partner is hsv2+ then probably no reason to even repeat your test but that'll be up to you.

The igm being useless is the concensus of the entire herpes research community and has been for years - it's not just a HHH thing.

grace

[UberConfused09]

Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse HHH with the entire research community, I meant it as I've seen his post on behalf of the entire community. My apologies. =)

So her results are back (sort of). She received the call from her Gyn, who told her over the phone. Her exact words to me: "i was positive for hsv1 and 2, and she said it was due to a recent exposure." I (we) don't have the actual numbers; her Gyn. will be mailing the results to her.  
She seems to remember it being a combined HSV 1/2 IgM and combined HSV 1/2 IgG. Needless to say, based on what everyone has shared about IgM vs. IgG, this is still as clear as mud until I get her test results.
Either way, I think I'm going to request an IgG type specific test, as well as see if the culture was type tested.

[gracefromHHP]

Unfortunately it sounds like her provider is going with the igm results :(  She'll need to call back and ask them to read her igg results to her and write them down so I can better help you with this.

grace