Tested negative & positive for Herpes.

I was tested for Herpes at a clinic about 6 or 7 months after the encounter. They used the HerpeSelect test  for type 2 and I came back negative.

I just recently decided to get tested for it again at a different clinic, which would have been about 17 months after the exposure. My doctor told me I had tested positive. When I asked if she could differenciate which one, she said the test just said for HSV-1 & HSV-2. I can't remember what the exact number was for the antibody count or what they were called, but it was around 3.0 something.

Is there a chance that it was just the HSV-1 I had tested positive for? Is there a chance that I could test positive for HSV-2 after testing negative for it once at the 7 month mark?

[LysolFriend]

I would really appreciate some opinions on this.

I am very scared.

[gracefromHHP]

if you read our read before posting post on this forum you'll see that we are all volunteers here and though we try to get to every post within 24 hours, it doesn't always happen. Please be patient here on the forum :)

It sounds like you had a non-type specific herpes igg blood test done this 2nd time. You'll need to repeat it with a better test.

grace

[LysolFriend]

Yes, sorry, I realize that you don't live on this forum and can't answer right away.

I am new to this forum, and just forgot to add how scared I am about this and that I'm very anxious. :(

I know you can't know for sure, but you said it sounds like a non-type specific herpes igg blood test. Is that the one everyone says shouldn't be done in the first place as it is not very accurate at all?

[gracefromHHP]

I don't live on this forum? no way....he he he

a non-type specific one just tells if you are likely to have herpes simplex in general in your body or not. since most adults have hsv1 orally, whether they get obvious cold sores or not, it's of little use and pretty much a waste of money for most folks.

grace

[LysolFriend]

So there's a chance that the 3 point something antibody count is just being caused by HSV-1? Even if I rarely get cold sores? (*Knock on wood*)

[gracefromHHP]

if you know you get cold sores, you know you have hsv1 so therefore the combined test would automatically be positive. ( one more reason that test is a waste of time )

You want to know your hsv2 igg result. Call your provider, ask them to see if the lab still has your blood sample and can run that for you.

grace

[LysolFriend]

Thanks.

[LysolFriend]

Oh, wait I have another question, if the 3 point something antibody count was for HSV-2 is there still a chance I don't have it seeing as the result of the HerpeSelect test was negative?

[gracefromHHP]

correct

[LysolFriend]

Ok, thanks again. Hopefully I can get a type specific test done as soon as possible.

[LysolFriend]

Grace, I recently went to a different doctor to get another test done. I explained my situation, and brought up getting a type specific test done, and he said that we should test for both.

I had blood drawn for an igg test. So, will these accurately tell me antibodies for both types? And if so, if I test positive for type two again, will it most likely be positive or is there a chance that a possible HSV-1 infection is still interferring with the test?

Basically when I get the results back, should I accept this as a final answer or should I get a HerpeSelect test for type 2 done?

[gracefromHHP]

hopefully this time it was a type specific herpes igg blood test that was done. It was a waste of time to test for hsv1 since you have a history of cold sores and the blood test isn't always so accurate for hsv1 but once you get your results back, I can better help you with them.

grace

[LysolFriend]

He wanted to test for both, so no I don't think it was type specific.

So, do you recommend that whatever the outcome, get tested again with the HerpeSelect?

[gracefromHHP]

I think you are misunderstanding what the provider said to you. The type specific testing is testing for both - you get a separate result for each type. Wait for your test results to come back and we'll see better what testing you recently had done.

grace

[LysolFriend]

Ok, that's what I figured. I am just getting confused with all these testing types. Thanks.

[LysolFriend]

Grace, I finally received a hard copy from my doctor with my test results.

They go as follows:


HSV, IgM I/II Combination <0.91  

HSV I/II IgG  Result: 35.9


So, the negative result I received at 7 months of testing was wrong?

[LysolFriend]

Also, is it possible that an HSV-1 infection alone is causing that high number?

[gracefromHHP]

are you also posting under the name "checkers311"?

The 2nd test you had done was a total waste of time. If you want to have any peace of mind at all from that test, you'll need to repeat it with a type specific test.  You can't ascertain anything at all from that result.

grace

[LysolFriend]

No,  I am not also posting as checkers311. I'm assuming you are asking because I think I've seen a thread of theirs where they also ask about testing at seven months?


Right now I am waiting on the results from a third test I am having done.

[gracefromHHP]

yes I asked because you two are using the same numbers and time frame and asking similar questions.  I don't like answering the same folks under different names so I ask when I wonder.

grace

[LysolFriend]

Don't worry. I try and wait patiently for my answers :)

[gracefromHHP]

LOL


grace

[LysolFriend]

Thanks for being understanding lol.

One more question while I have you here, do you think it's possible that the 35 antibody count is just from HSV-1?

[gracefromHHP]

could be or could be + from other factors too. it's really not a worthwhile test and your provider needs to stop using it.  http://www.ashastdwebstore.org/herpes-testing-toolkit.html  it's under $3 - encourage your provider to order it for the clinic :)

grace

[LysolFriend]

What other factors? (If you have time to answer)

Thanks for the link.

[LysolFriend]

bump. for if you have time to answer. :)

[LysolFriend]

They called me back today with my test results saying I had tested positive for HSV-1 and negative for HSV-2.

Words can not express the amount of relief I feel.

But, being the hypochondriac I am, I am still going to stop by the clinic later today to get a copy as I'm paranoid the right test wasn't done or something.

Thanks for all your help, Grace!

[LysolFriend]

I mean, the doctor said it would be an igg test, and they gave me a result for type 1 & 2, and since it's been about 16 months, it's pretty much a sure thing right? :S

[gracefromHHP]

yes, sure thing :)

grace