Hsv1 genitally presents the same way as hsv2. Only way to tell the difference is in the lab.
you want a type specific herpes igg blood test done. both the herpes handbook and www.herpesdiagnosis.com has info on the particular tests that are most commonly used for more info.
grace
I tested positive for Herpes last week. The doctor told me that I would have to get another test to decide what type of Herpes I contracted.
What is the best test for typing?
Are the symptoms for HSV 1 on the genitals any different from HSV 2?
I am hoping I do not have genital herpes only one thing that was positive as far as symptoms. The two bumps completely healed and I was given an anti-biotic for painful urination and it cleared up immediately. I am just really nervous about this whole situation and my future. Is there anyway that this test could be a false positive since my symptoms cleared up with antibiotics?
THanks for your responses.
There should be numeric values associated with the igg. It's doubtful you had a WB done for herpes and got results this quickly which is the only type specific test for hsv1 and hsv2 that isn't going to return a numeric value.
At this point give it a few more days and then call back to see what results are back then and write down any info they give you.
grace
Hello Grace thank you for helping to answer my questions. I spoke with a different doctor in the same office that I had the test taken and this doctor took more time to explain what was going on with these tests. She said that the test showed that I had a past infection not a new infection and that some of the tests were still pending as far as typing. They could not give my any numbers on the IGG. Does this sound right? As for the small red bumps one has completely disappeared without an ulcer and the other is still red but there is no blister. Neither of the sores were painful. Thanks again for all of your answers.
If she doesn't know which type you have, then odds are that you were tested wrongly with a non-type specific igg blood test or with the igm test - both of which are wastes of time.
Once you call for the results, I can better help you figure out what your results really mean but odds are you are going to have to repeat your blood test with a better test.
Encourage your provider to purchase the herpes blood test toolkit from asha - http://www.ashastdwebstore.org/herpes-testing-toolkit.html it'll be some of the best $3 they ever spent on learning about herpes :)
grace
Grace thank you for your quick and informative response. She told me that she didn't know which type I had she really just told me to be careful and when I have sex. I will ask her tomorrow about the igg things. Is there any test that can distinguish between type I and type II? I had some other symptoms last week such as swollen groin glands, back pain, painful urination.
I still had those red bumps (2) spaced far apart they never did grow or cluster and look as if they are almost gone. I got another antibiotic from the doctor for my painful urination and that seems to be clearing up.
I know I sound redundant but when she said my blood indicated that I was "exposed" I am scared. I just don't know what to do.
I really appreciate you responses. It is comforting to have someone answer you when you have so many questions.
there's no such thing as just being exposed to herpes. You either have it or you don't. It's probably going to be most helpful if you call in the morning, ask them to read your results to you and then post them here - ie hsv1 igg 4.3 and hsv2 igg .34 or whatever they are. I can then better help you.
If this is a newly acquired infection, it won't show up now in igg blood tests eihter. When it comes to hsv1 ( which would be your risk if this is a newly acquired infection since it was oral sex ), the only way to accurately diagnose it is with a lesion culture of active symptoms. A blood test only tells what you have, not where you have it an dhsv1 is commonly found in either location.
grace
So the only true way to test if you have herpes is to get the lesion itself tested?
Did you read grace's reply??
I recently got tested for Herpes and I was exposed to the Herpes virus. Does this mean I'm going to have a bunch of breakouts. I asked the doctor if it was herpes I or II and she asked me if I had a cold sore and I told her no. She said it is probably Herpes II. Is there any test that will let me know for sure?
A blood test now will only accurately reflect your status prior to all of this. Since it was oral sex, hsv1 is your biggest risk and a blood test won't be able to tell if a hsv1+ result is new, old, oral or genital. Should your symptoms appear again, a lesion culture of them is the best idea.
It's not likely that what you have going on is due to herpes. These sound rather un-stdlike .
grace
THank you again Grace for your quick answer. The bumps are not painful very small and there were only two and they appear to be healing without ulcers. I am getting a blood test tomorrow to make sure.
I take it they aren't really very painful either?
grace
When I visited the doctor there were no bumps present. The bumps didn't come until a week after the burning urination started. THe bumps look completely healed. I am worried I might have herpes.
What did the doctor think they were when you were seen?
grace