Low Positive HSV 2 test result

My doctor contacted me today and told me that my HSV 2 test came back positive at 1.14. I am curious if there is any chance this is a false positive since it is such a low number? Just a little history,  I got tested last year and had an equivocal result (I think it was around 0.98) and when I went back to get retested that time it ended up coming back negative. Please help, I am terrified.

[petal130]

Yes, there's a good chance it's a false positive.

What made you get tested again? Do you have a regular partner? Equivocal is negative by the way, if enough time has passed to get tested since your last possible exposure (~3 months).

[nobody910]

I just get checked yearly to be safe. I got a new partner before getting tested this year, but I had not had sex in at least a month before my test this time.

[petal130]

If it's your regular partner, then they should be tested too. If negative, well then you know that your test is a false positive. Otherwise, the only way to know if you're positive is with confirmatory testing. You'd have to wait 3 months from your last suspect encounter and get the herpes Western Blot or Biokit. I would try to relax until then. Good chance it's a false positive.

[nobody910]

One last question, since it had been about 5 weeks since I had last had sex, would a true positive result have a higher number than 1.14?

[nobody910]

oh and is there a better chance that this is false positive since I have had an equivocal test result in the past that turned out to be negative?

[gracefromHHP]

your partner needs tested at this point to see what their status is. Depending on their results, depends on what is your next step.   you've had sex with this new partner 5 weeks ago? do I understand that right?

[nobody910]

I last had sex 5 weeks before my test

[gracefromHHP]

and you are still with that partner correct?

[nobody910]

Yes. My question was if that if it is actually positive if the number would be higher because it had been 5 weeks since I could have possibly been exposed.

[nobody910]

oh I also forgot to mention that I am probably positive for HSV type 1 (I have gotten cold sores in my mouth all my life). Could types 1 and 2 counter react and cause a positive result?

[gracefromHHP]

no, the number might not have been higher.

get your partner tested to see what her status is and then we can help you see what step to take next.