How long to wait?

[Dontdateathletes]

I recently tested a .96 for HSV 2, but it was my only test. I haven't had sex in about 4-5months and if he did take the condom off, which I'm not sure, would likely be when I was exposed. If not then it would have been some time last year. I have read a lot of posts and I am not sure how long to wait for the next testing to confirm. Also, if I was exposed 4-5months ago, would I be building defense at a slow rate considering the low result? I know I need to check for false positive, but my doc was so adamant I have it. Any helpful suggestions?

[Dontdateathletes]

I was just doing some reading, is it possible a dormant strep infection can cause for a false positive. Last year my son got a rash all over his body and after a few days of thinking it was an allergic reaction, it didn't go away. He tested positive for strep and had scarlet fever. I don't get sick and at most will have a swollen node here and there. Are these two viruses of any relation? Should I get tested for strep since I have not been(they told me not to worry)?

[Dontdateathletes]

I asked to be tested to for stds and had the doctor do a visual exam, but she saw nothing concerning and stated that.  When I asked what I was being tested for they never stated herpes, just the basic stds and HIV.  I only requested the std testing as an update. I'm not very active and I don't date. The person who tries to slip the condom off is someone I've dealt with on and off for 10yrs. I'll get retested to ease my mind. It's funny because I am so rarely active, but now it seems like I shouldn't have sex at all. Thank you for your help

[Juker]

I would like others more knowledgeable than I to chime in, however....

The nurse is wrong

Officially you should be retested, and WB sounds like a good idea, though if a second Elisa test goes down in value, you are negative.  But if it were me, I wouldn't.  You don't have symptoms and the sex seemed unremarkable w/r/t exposure even if the condom came off.  I don't think you should have been tested in the first place.

[Dontdateathletes]

May I have your opinion on this. I know other  posts are similar, but it doesn't hit home sometimes until a direct opinion is stated. I am left to ponder on this over the weekend since I was informed over the phone by the nurse and could not see/speak to the doctor.  I know the .96 is equivocal, but she was so firm I was positive.

[Dontdateathletes]

The nurse is the one who informed me .90 is negative and 1.1 is the official. I asked her if she was sure I was infected and he said it was a low reading, but yes. I've haven't had any bumps or anything and never even had a cold sore on my mouth. After reading the blogs, it seems the likelihood of such a low result after 4-5months would not be common since the antibody would likely have built up more. I don't get sick and I'm thinking a retest or WB is the route I should go.

[Juker]

Oops, your result was technically "equivocal".  But I scored a 1.15 once and my doc told me what what I wrote above.  If you really have it you'd score 3, 5, 10 .....  etc.  If your doc says you are fine then you are.

[Juker]

Ask your doctor what the index cutoff value is exactly for the particular test but if it is the commonly used 1.1, why do you want to be retested?  You got a negative result.   Why would the doctor request a retest?  Move on unless you have bonafide symptoms, not psychosomatic.

[Dontdateathletes]

Thank you! It's so concerning my doctor didn't even request to retest me with this result and the time stated. Perhaps, I should get tested elsewhere.

[Juker]

The median seroconversion time varies a bit depending on the ability of each specific test but for the common HerpeSelect (IgG?) it is 25 days, or a little over 3 weeks.  Best to wait at least 6 if not more.

http://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Fulltext/2003/04000/Time_Course_of_Seroconversion_by_HerpeSelect_ELISA.7.aspx

If you scored 0.96 after 4-5 months you are free and clear