Who Should Patients Listen To??

[StevieP751]

I have read on here in several places that HSV-2 IGG levels of less that ~3 should not be considered positive. If that is the case, I am confused as to why doctors would be reporting to patients that they have tested positive with lower levels.
I have been tested twice recently with HSV-2 IGG levels of 1.6 and 1.4. I have only been with one person in the last 4 years and they just tested negative. Still, all the doctors I have spoken to say that I am definitely positive. Is it just that general practitioners don't have up-to-date information? I have an appointment with a dermatologist soon and am hoping that I might be able to get some more complete information then.
I guess I just don't understand how it is possible for the medical community to not have agreed on what level constitutes "positive". Any information I can get will be much appreciated.

[gracefromHHP]

no a spinal tap won't work since typically you don't find active virus there after you are initially diagnosed.

A herpes WB blood test is the preferred test at this point for you. if your provider uses quest labs, it's test #34534.

grace

[StevieP751]

Thanks for getting back to me, Grace. I have had two tests with levels of 1.6 and 1.4. I've had a third sample taken since I found out that the only person I've been with in years is negative.
If this third test says something like 1.5, what does that mean? Is there no way to actually test for the virus besides culturing sores? It seems like a spinal tap should work since that's where the virus "sleeps".

[gracefromHHP]

unfortunately most providers aren't receiving accurate updates on herpes blood testing to know about the low positive issues :(  they have a lot to cover and don't always get all the info they need.

the recommendations are, anyone with an igg under even up to 5 and no obvious symptoms, should do a 2nd test to confirm.  your provider would never diagnose you as having hiv or cancer based on 1 test, same goes with herpes.

grace

[StevieP751]

I wish I had this information sooner as I am from Portland and was just there last week! Such is life, I guess. Thanks again

[Mistakeguy789]

You will find that as a common response by grace on these forums.

Also if you browse the expert forums in Herpes and STD you will see a common response of it.

Here is another link by Terri Warren NP.  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/Possible-false-positive/show/1025184

Terri owns one of the best clinic that truly specalizes in HSV.  Her website at http://www.westoverheights.com/ has a TON of resources on it.  There is a free handbook you can read over too.

This link from her site covers testing.

http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters/diagnosis.html

[Verysaddude]

StevieP751,

I believe its anything over 1.1 (or 1.2..something like that) and less than 3.5 is considered (low) positive...that means you can still definitely be positive or theres a chance that it is a false positive. If you have anything in this range, you should move forward as though you are positive but should also consider confirmation testing. I hope this clears things up...

[StevieP751]

Thanks for the link! Very helpful and I would love to believe it more than I can say, though I would feel better if I could find someone to back up the claim that only >3.5 is positive. So far, this is the only doctor I have found to say this.
I have always advocated for STD testing and would never forgive myself if I gave this to someone else because one doctor told me what I wanted to hear...
Thanks again

[Mistakeguy789]

Below is the link for confirmation testing at certian points.  This comes from the MH Expert forums which you can read.  (Posting costs but reading is free).  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/IGG-Test-Result-Confusion/show/593272

[Wander45]

I tested positive with HSV2 IgG (1.23) two weeks ago with the ELISA.

My GYN told me if  I was positive on that test, no matter how low the number, I was positive.  I've since had multiple exchanges with Grace and she's recommended I get retested with the Western Blot.  I've looked through the sites she mentioned and they give some good information, although, most of it is beyond me when they start doing the comparisons between tests and the numbers.

Read over my entries and see if anything answers some of your questions.    

[StayingStrong22]

You and I are in the same boat... I tested positve and my partner did not and we have been together for some time. like you confuse.  Please if you get any answer to your question would be great to help ease the pain.

Stay strong...