Interperting HSV results

I just recently tested positive for HSV.

HSV IgM  was 1.14
HSV IgG  was  .58

The Doctor said this indicated recent infection with either Herpes type I or II. I've never had any symptoms, so how do I determine what type I have? This would seem very relevant in protecting future partners, as well as providing my previous partners with as much information as possible.

If additional tests are in order, how long should I wait between tests?

[petal130]

Was the IgG for HSV1 or HSV2? It is negative. Disregard the IgM, it is worthless for diagnosing herpes. Your doctor should have ordered an "IgG type specific blood test" that gave values for both HSV1 and HSV2.

[Seal_beach_dude]

There was no type of break down on the IgG number just .58. I find this troubling that they would diagnose me on the IgM reading if it has no meaning. Do I go back and request additional tests of just accept the IgG as a negative?

[Mistakeguy789]

When was the last time you had a sexual encounter?

The fact there wasn't a break down I would ask them to re run the test with a type specific IgG blood test.  The lab may have the blood still.  If the testing was done before 12-16 weeks of your last sexual encounter you would need to retest 12-16 weeks (I would vote 16 weeks) after your last sexual encounter for an accurate result and do not let them run IgM it is a waste of your money.  

If you want you can go to www.ashastd.org for more information on Herpes and there is a provider booklet that they can order for like 5 dollars or something.  But they have some of the testing information on the site and good talk about IgM and IgG tests.  

[Seal_beach_dude]

I retested. I asked the Doctor for an IgG type specific blood test and told him the reasons why I wanted it. It seems they gave me the exact same blood test I'd previously had! I don't know if the Doctors office or the Lab is just on autopilot and just run the basic test no matter what.

RESULTS.
HSV IgM  was 1.11
HSV IgG  was  .51

Virtually the same results as the first test. This time the diagnosis is. "Test does not confirm any active infection or exposure to Herpes. Repeat test in 3 months for a definitive answer."

Tests were 8 weeks apart. Perhaps I should have waited 16 weeks as Mistakeguy789 suggested. But there is a relationship I'd like to pursue and this part of my life has been on hold until I know what risk a potential partner might face.

As far a sexual encounters. No vaginal or oral sex for the last 9 months. Some brief kissing and touching that did not involve contact with bodily fluids, about 2-3 weeks prior to the first test. So from this aspect, infection is probably not likely, but not outside the realm of possibility either. Nor have I had any symptoms which doesn't mean anything either.

[gracefromHHP]

it's been 9 months. no reason for more testing. even though they did the wrong hsv igg test, it's not likely you have hsv1 or hsv2 since it's negative.  

has your new partner been tested for std's and herpes so that you don't have to go through this again?

grace

[Seal_beach_dude]

Thanks grace.

The person I referred to is a potential new partner. I've been holding off until I knew my own status. So it has not gotten to that stage yet.

Both of my last two partners assured me they had regular STD tests. I have no reason not to believe this. However, with everything I have learned since then, it would not surprise me if those tests did not include the herpes test.

[gracefromHHP]

yes I realize it's a potential new partner you are interested in - recommended having the "talk" and making sure they get a full std screening so you know their status and don't have to worry about all of this all over again.

Most folks are not getting proper std testing done. Not many get herpes testing done. Unfortunately many folks assume a woman getting a yearly pap test is actually getting std testing done which it is not.  Always best to see results for a partner to know that they do get tested and what for.