Positive or not?

I am pregnant and my ob tested for a lot of different things. One being herpes. The tests came back as HSV 1: 3.94 HSV 2: 2.49. I never would've known I was positive unless I was pregnant. I have never had any kind of outbreak. My husband and I have been together for over 14 years and neither of us has ever had any symptoms. So, I had a second test performed. Just got the results. They are now HSV 1: 3.97 & HSV 2: 1.55. I DO get cold sores so I am not surprised about the positive there. My question is, why is the HSV 2 test results less this time but still in the equivocal or low positive range (I am not sure of the exact cut offs). My doctor insists I am positive although I have tried to explain the 1.10-3.5 range. He acts like I am just stupid or in denial. So, can anyone shed any light on this for me. I have done a lot of reading on this site and already know what is probably going to be said but I need to hear it. I have had a lot of anxiety since getting these tests. Thanks!

[petal130]

Your HSV2 blood test is a low positive and needs confirmatory testing (same for your husband). You need to request a Western Blot or Biokit to confirm both of your HSV2 statuses.

Love that you know more than your doc! Encourage him to order the guide to herpes blood testing from www.ashastd.org in their bookstore. It's under $3 so you might even want to buy it and give it to them as a gift so they can update their herpes testing knowledge.

[gracefromHHP]

How far along in the pregnancy are you?

Has hubby been tested yet?

grace

[whatdoIdonow]

I am now 22 weeks pregnant. My first Igg test I was 9 weeks pregnant, 2nd Igg I was 21 weeks.

No, my husband hasn't been tested yet.

I am really experiencing a lot of mental anguish over this.

What are your thoughts on the fluctuating HSV 2 results? 2.49 & then 1.55?

[whatdoIdonow]

I also want to add that this is my second pregnancy...never tested positive during my first pregnancy. Also had testing about a year and a half ago and everything was normal then, as well.

Does that make any difference at all?

[gracefromHHP]

at this point hubby needs tested. If he's negative for hsv2 then I recommend getting a herpes WB. This needs to be done soon - you can get false negatives on herpes blood tests once you hit the last trimester due to the dilution of your blood from pregnancy.

why do the values fluctuate? Well it can vary from test to test, lab to lab, time of the day etc.  A positive is still a positive though both your positives are low and need additional confirmatory testing.

grace