Test results?

Help - i don't understand my test results.

Unprotected sex in Jan, 2011 with partner of unknown status
Did full STD panel via STDAlert.com.  They use an IGG typ-specific test for HSV 1 and 2

IGG HSV I and 2 test was negative in mid Feb (after 6 weeks)
IGG HSV2 test was negative in late April (after 13 weeks)

In June, I had 3 odd papules that I thought were yeast on my buttocks, so scheduled a test at Planned Parenthood with a exam just to be sure.

Quest IGG HerpeSelect came back >.9 - so negative for 1 and 2
But IGM came back positive with a titer of 1 in 20?

They said possible positive, but watch for future symptoms and have a culture done if new symptoms.  

Am I positive for HSV 2 or not?

[gracefromHHP]

the herpes igm test is a greatly flawed test and shouldn't have been done on you. totally disregard the results of it. the CDC currently doesn't recommend herpes igm testing to be drawn on adults either.

I assume you really meant less than .9 for your latest testing?

have you had sex since january?

grace

[Tester411]

Sorry, yes, less than .9 for all 3 IGG HSV 1 and 2 tests, so negative.
No sex at all since January

But, 2 separate instances of "bumps" or what looked like ingrown hairs or possible yeast on my buttocks, thus the reason for repeat tests and continued concern.

The IgM test results were quoted as "acute" detected, with a 1 in 20 titer.  I have no idea what that means.

Do I need a Western Blot?  or wait for another set of possible symproms and have a culture?  I can never seem to get an appointment in time for culture.

Clearly, I'm worries.

[gracefromHHP]

no reason for any more herpes blood testing. be seen when you have symptoms to try to figure out what is going on.

[Tester411]

I don't know if I can wait ... it's making me crazy.  I have a possible partner - want to be sure I don't pass anything on. is there any way to be sure now?

[Mistakeguy789]

Your test at 13 weeks was accurate.  The bumps have to be present for a culture.

[Tester411]

So, you're saying that the negative result at 13 weeks and again at 20 weeks is accurate and I should stop worrying?  So, why does the igm at 20 weeks give me a positive?  PP said it means a "recent" (less than 12 month) infection with a virus was detected.

Is it possible to be igg negative 3 times in 5 months and still have it? Does that ever happen?  The igm has me totally freaked out.  What is it detecting?  I have not had chicken pox or anything else.

Clearly if I see more bumps, I'll go for a culture, but I don't understand these results and can't sleep.

[gracefromHHP]

yes, it's not likely that herpes is causing your symptoms with your negative testing.

the igm test is a flawed test and a + result is meaningless. it should've never been drawn on you in the first place!! current cdc recommendations are that it shouldn't be drawn at all on adults.

[Tester411]

Can you clarify for me - one more time.  Is it possible to be HSV2 positive after the three negative IGG test but the positive IGM?

Is there something the IGM is picking up that the IGG misses?  And if not, what is the IGM seeing?  I have not had chicken pox, shingles or mono in years ....

I'm still so confused.  

[gracefromHHP]

you could be hsv2+ but the odds of that are right up there with the odds that you'd find $20 laying in the parking lot at the grocery store if you went today.