blood test time frame

Is a 5 and a half week hsv1 and hsv2 specific blood test conclusive? (Incident - protected sex with risky woman)

[daisy315]

I personally wouldn't test before 8 weeks simply because a lot of anxiety and stress is caused through testing too early, if you had protected sex your risk is low.

Daisy

[jon309]

thanks, but about how reliable is that result?

[petal130]

Here's how it works. You could get tested the day after you had sex; it will only tell you your status prior to that event. If it's positive, you've had herpes prior to having sex with her. Otherwise, wait 16 weeks (testing before that may or may not have a true positive result). It can take up to 16 weeks for the antibodies to form in your body, and has a 98% accuracy rate at that point.

[jon309]

ok thank you. so basically you are telling me that my 5 and a half week negative result is worthless

[petal130]

Not worthless necessarily - about 1/2 the folks who test are accurate within a few weeks. The percentage grows with time. But by about 16 weeks, the IgG is accurate for about 98% of the folks who test.

[jon309]

is igG the blood test? the blood test i had done tested specifically for hsv1 and hsv2 but i dont know if it was igG

[petal130]

Yes, and IgG type specific blood test.

[jon309]

if 5 and ahalf weeks is not conclusive, why is my doctor so certain that im fine. he said tests are soo good these days that i waited long enough to test. thanks petal

[gracefromHHP]

www.herpesdiagnosis.com has more info on testing for more reading.

Your provider is wrong - you do need to repeat your blood test at the 16 week mark if you really want conclusive results. It's up to you if you feel there is even any need for more testing or not.

grace

[petal130]

I do understand your doctor's thoughts - you had (one time?) protected sex with a women whose herpes status is unknown. A VERY minimal risk to you.

[jon309]

i mean in this instance i think u have to assume that they have it. as far as the negative test, i had thought it was 100% certain because he told me the chance i have it after one time and a negative test at 5.5 weeks is so small its not worth more testing. but apparently this is wrong

[jon309]

im sorry but i have to ask another question because im worried now. i have what looks liek a sore on the inside tip if my urethra. the health dept said it was nothing, and my dr said i am probly beating myself up, but it doesnt make sense to all of the sudden have that and not have something. im wondering is that something consistent with herpes or not? all this doubt about the 5week test is causing anxiety now

[gracefromHHP]

You need to find a better hobby than checking out your genitals all the time.

You were seen and no one thinks it looks like herpes.  You don't mention any pain either.  

grace

[jon309]

ok. i will get another blood test to be certain. but if it is not herpes, what else could cause what looks like a little blister or sore on the tip of the urethra? other than herpes i am unaware of what else could cause that

[jon309]

pleassse, anyone? im really confused now that my blood results cant be considered valid

[treesnake]

Calm down....you are gonna have to wait to test like the rest of us. Herpes rollercoaster is not a quick ride

[jon309]

can i be confident at all in the 5.5 week negative?

[gracefromHHP]

we've already answered that question for you.

Nothing we can do here can replace being seen by a medical provider. If you are still concerned about symptoms, go and be seen again and get examined again.

grace