Herpes Testing

Hello, I am somewhat confuse about my Herpes test results.  I went to my annual obgyn appointment approximate two weeks ago of which I asked to be tested for everything.  I received a call today from my doctor stating that I may have Herpes???  I was shocked!!!  I immediately went to my doctors office of which she explained to me that my blood work displays the antibodies.  Per Quest Diagnostics, HSV IGM AB SCREEN: >=1:160 & HSV IGM AB SCREEN REFERENCE RANGE: NOT DETECTED and then it states on my results HSV 1 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC AB: 0.25 and HSV 2 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC AB 0.24 and according to the range I tested negative.  My doctore told me that she cannot specifically tell me that I have herpes because my numbers are so low; therefore, she wants to retest me in 2 months. She further stated that my blood work displays that I was expose to virus but the test is indetermine.  I then asked her does my three autoimmune diseases (ulcerative colitis, raynaud syndrom (syndrome), and systematic lupus) could have affected my blood work and she stated possible.  She further stated that she have seen more false positive then positive.  I have been in a committed relationship for 4.5 years and have constantly have my blood checked due to my lupus and i have never been told about the antibodies presence.  Please understand I have never displayed any systoms of this virus even when I my lupus had flare up in January,  Will someone please explain to me what do the numbers mean because she has left me clueless and scared...Thanks.

[petal130]

Your doctor clearly is not educated about herpes testing.

Your IgG results show you are negative for both HSV1 and HSV2. Anything below .90 is considered negative. I have no idea why she wants you to retest - you are negative based on those results. I'm assuming you went for routine testing, not because you had symptoms, correct?

The IgM is meaningless in diagnosing; disregard it.

[maryjane28]

Yes, petal130, I went for my annual routine check up.  I have never had any symptoms of HSV 1 or 2.  You have really given me some relief because I was just about to confront my boyfriend of 4.5 years..Thanks.

[Curiousitykilledthecat1225]

Hi,

I've had this blood test at least 4 times and I can tell you from your numbers that you are negative for both HSV1 and HSV2.  As long as those numbers are well within range they are interpreted as negative. Your physician should only go by the IgG numbers not the IgM which is often a false positive and not a sign of early infection, as is often interpreted theoretically as such. You have no reason to think you are positive given you have stated you have been in a committed relationship for 4.5 years.  

Hope that helps!

[maryjane28]

Yes, it helps.  Do you know the difference between the two tests?  According to the test results for HSV IGM AM SCREEN it states Flag:A and Result: DETECTED but then it states Reference range: NOT DETECTED.  It further states, HSV IGM AB TITER Flag: H and Result: >=1:160???

[maryjane28]

Yes, it helps.  Do you know the difference between the two tests?  According to the test results for HSV IGM AM SCREEN it states Flag:A and Result: DETECTED but then it states Reference range: NOT DETECTED.  It further states, HSV IGM AB TITER Flag: H and Result: >=1:160???

[petal130]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Confusiion-over-other-IgM-Herpes-posts/show/248394 ; this is a terrific former post by HHH that goes into detail why the IgM herpes test is a poor test in general and should never be used to diagnose herpes in adults.

[Curiousitykilledthecat1225]

Yes, when the IgM (which is unreliable as stated above) is positive, a reflex to titer is performed. It measure the presence of antibodies. Again just please ignore the IgM "detected" I've taken the test numerous times, remaining negative in IgG but for some physical error with the test, it will often say detected and does not represent a new infection or reactivated infection for most people.