Information regarding ignoring IGM positive results.

[healthywannabe]

Recently I had a full std check just because I thought it was a good thing to have, I had no sign or symptoms of anything. I had not been with anyone for about 3 months before taking the blood test. I  got my results back and I am negative on everything with the exception of IGM for herpes Simplex non discriminate for HSV1 and HSV2. (herpes select for IGG was negative) My doctor was ready to prescribe me Valtrax etc. I was concerned. Then I noticed the blurb about IGM being for a recent  and that sometimes the results can be false and that further tests should be done. After questioning about that with my doctor who wasn't sure and then talking to the lab doctor she called on the phone, I was told that the test results were 20-30% false. So instead of getting treated I decided I wanted the further tests. Then later I did some research online and found some posts on here that were saying to just throw out IGM tests and they were unreliable. I called my doctor back and she told me we still needed to do something because all of this would be reported to King County. So I am scheduled  to take the tests again and if the results are the same with no IGG  then I could be sure I did not have it.
I honestly do not want to have to take these tests again as I am sure I haven't had any recent exposure (how long does it take to produce IGG antibodies?) and was negative on the IGG. I just need to find some type of proof to show my doctor about IGM being a test I should not have even taken in the first place, and that I can ignore the results for that. I also for my own peace of mind would like something to say to ignore the IGM results. Can you give me a logical and valid excuse based on that I was negative for IGG and was only positive on the IGM. Something I can refer to my doctor.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I can't believe this is being reported to King County - is this Seattle, King County?  I can't imagine they are interested in herpes IgM testing as it is completely unreliable.  If you've had no sexual contacts in the past 4 months, and your IgG tests for HSV 1 and HSV 2 were negative, then disregard the IgM completely.  There is a nice section on herpes testing at ashastd.org and there is also a nice discussion of herpes testing at herpesdiagnosis.com.  You could also get a copy of my book, The Good News about the Bad News.  I have discussion of the errors of IgM in there.  IgM crossreacts with other viruses and is not at all reliable.

Terri

[healthywannabe]

Terri,
Thank you for the helpful information. Yes this is Seattle King County, and it would be nice if all doctors were as informed as you on this topic!

[gracefromHHP]

Also asha has a terrific booklet for $2.95 in their herpes store called "the herpes testing toolkit" that your provider can buy or you can buy and give to them. It's aimed at health care providers but anyone can buy it and read it. It covers the igm testing in there too.

grace

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

thanks Betsy, you're right, that's a terrific reference.  I'm still so surprised this all happened in King County, the herpes knowledge capitol of the world!

Terri