Misunderstanding herpes testing...

Yes, I've read every posting on this site, but yet I'm still confused.  I was told I was positive for HSV-2 in July 2008.  When I went in this past month for my annual PAP exam/testing, my ob/gyn tested me for herpes using the HSV I/II IgM combination test, and it came back negative (<0.91).  How is it possible for that test to come back negative if I was tested positive one year ago?  Even with the antibodies not showing up, if I tested postive before, shouldn't I test positve now no matter what.  I understand that the IgM test is not the test of choice, but I was sure that it would still read for herpes being present...HELP!

[gracefromHHP]

Well I doubt you read every post on this site since I have almost 14, 000 myself...lol.


The igm test was totally inappropriate to be used on you.  Even if the igm test was a more accurate test for herpes than it really is, since it wouldn't be a newly acquired infection, of course it would be negative!!!!  In theory, igm is the bodies first response to newly acquired infection. It doesn't stick around long so a year later, it would be perfectly normal for it to be negative.

At this point I recommend that you call and get the results of the test you had done last year to post here for me to look at. Once I see that, I'll let you know if you need additional confirmatory testing done or if you can feel confident in your original + results.

grace

[janeyd79]

lol, well at least I tried to read every post.  I'll have to see my previous OB/GYN to get the results and will do that tomorrow!

[gracefromHHP]

Just give them a call. anyone in the office can read the results to you over the phone. I just need to see the igg results - ie hsv1 igg 4.5 and hsv2 igg 3.4 or whatever they are.

grace