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Help with HSV Results
At a routine exam I asked for STD testing, including HSV. I'm pretty low risk , I just think it's the responsible thing for a sexually active adult to do. The last time I had sex was almost exactly 2 months prior to taking the test.
I was shocked by the result. The test was done abroad, and the results sent by email. This is all it says:
Method/Specimen: IFA/serum
Test: HSV Ab. (Type I&II), IgG
Result: 1.256
Reference range: >1.1
In black and white terms, a positive result. Like many before me, I have been all over the internet reading up on this, and I need a little help getting it sorted.
1. I have read that there are those who believe a better reference range for a positive result might be >3/3.5. Is this accurate and can you address the logic behind it (yea or nay)?
2. The way the test is presented, I'm unclear if it's HSV 1, HSV 2, or if it's potentially a combination of the two? Is it possible to have a collective result that presents positive when each alone would be negative (i.e. HSV 1 at .8, HSV 2 at .5 combining to present at 1.3)?
I'm obviously in denial, and hoping there's an alternative to a herpes diagnosis (I do intend to be retested at a later date; not currently active).
Your insight is appreciated. Thanks!
I was shocked by the result. The test was done abroad, and the results sent by email. This is all it says:
Method/Specimen: IFA/serum
Test: HSV Ab. (Type I&II), IgG
Result: 1.256
Reference range: >1.1
In black and white terms, a positive result. Like many before me, I have been all over the internet reading up on this, and I need a little help getting it sorted.
1. I have read that there are those who believe a better reference range for a positive result might be >3/3.5. Is this accurate and can you address the logic behind it (yea or nay)?
2. The way the test is presented, I'm unclear if it's HSV 1, HSV 2, or if it's potentially a combination of the two? Is it possible to have a collective result that presents positive when each alone would be negative (i.e. HSV 1 at .8, HSV 2 at .5 combining to present at 1.3)?
I'm obviously in denial, and hoping there's an alternative to a herpes diagnosis (I do intend to be retested at a later date; not currently active).
Your insight is appreciated. Thanks!
Best Answer
Oops! You're absolutely right, I've typed it wrong. They did say it was negative, LESS THAN .91.
HSV>.91 typically indicates a positive result? You sure it wasn't HSV<.091?
Does it say negative??
Does it say negative??
I know: It would've been best to wait 12 weeks, but I've been making myself crazy. I went in a couple of days ago at just over 10 weeks and today I got my results:
Negative for both! :D
I don't have specific values. All that was reported is:
HSV-1 > .91
HSV-2 > .91
At 10 weeks, how much can I rely on this? Do I need to be retested?
Negative for both! :D
I don't have specific values. All that was reported is:
HSV-1 > .91
HSV-2 > .91
At 10 weeks, how much can I rely on this? Do I need to be retested?
You don't happen to have any stats on this type of test and false positives, or have any links you can send me? You've been extremely helpful; information calms my nerves.
re: 12 weeks - I was afraid you were going to say that. Two more weeks... nail biting! :(
Thank you again for your help!
re: 12 weeks - I was afraid you were going to say that. Two more weeks... nail biting! :(
Thank you again for your help!
The type specific testing is often negative after a positive in a combined test based on the history you describe. To be sure, wait until week 12 for the testing.
Thank you for your input, Fleetwood20. I had type specific testing done in 2010 and was negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. I do not have a history of cold sores - or any other outbreak - so it's hard to say if this is potentially a type 1 or 2 result. Seems type specific testing is in order, but I'm not sure when I should do it. My last encounter was a little over two months ago; is it too soon for a reliable result?
Your comment on the 1.1 v. 3.5 controversy is helpful. Thanks!
Your comment on the 1.1 v. 3.5 controversy is helpful. Thanks!
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.
Combined tests are quite poor. The testing well is covered in antigens for both types and calibrated such that triggering just one half of the antigens results in a positive. Hence lots of false positives occur.
The 3.5 figure you read about applies only to the Herpeselect HSV2 IgG test.
In short an unhelpful test. To understand more you need type specific testing.