can i travel to the usa to have the western blot

if i can't get the western bot here in canada..is there a quest lab i can travel to-buffalo or detroit?  or can i have a lab here in ontario take my blood and ship it to a quest lab perhaps... do you have any suggestions-all i want is to be tested with 2 tests western blot and elisa.  
i would like to thank you for helping me out with your previous answer-your work is very much appreciated by all of us.

[gracefromHHP]

have you been tested at all yet?

why 2 tests?

it's most helpful if you just keep adding to your original post instead of making a new post for each question - thanks!

[sulamith]

I had the immunoblot approx 4 weeks after possible exposure to HSV 2 from a non - sexual environment.
I am HSV 1 positive and have cold sores for 20 years.
The immunoblot results say " Positive for antibody for HSV 1 " and...  "This result has been amended. Positive for antibody to HSV-2"  
I know I should have waited longer than 4 weeks before being tested but you know how it is. Which is why I want more tests and I believe the western blot and elisa specific are the gold standard-it will give me peace of mind one way or the other to have the two done..but, where can i go??

[gracefromHHP]

honestly at this point my recommendation is to just wait and repeat the igg blood test you had done 2 or 3 months from the encounter. you tested far too early as you are already aware and you need to wait that long for a WB anyways.  once you get your repeat igg hsv2 igg, post the results here and I can help you with where to go next.  no need to go out o fyour way for other testing when we can start simple first.

grace

[sulamith]

i took your suggestion and have repeated the immunoblot a 2nd time.  the results are positive for antibodies hsv 1 and 2 .
they don't give any numerical data--is there one with immunoblot test?
if you feel that this 2nd  immunoblot result is a reliable result//test-i will accept the verdict. would you say it is as good as the western blot or elisa??  i certainly understand being in denial, i have read about false positive results .. and in this scenario,,you hope.  

[gracefromHHP]

the immunoblot has the same false positive issues as the regular herpeselect has. up to you if you want to pursue additional testing or not with 2 positives.  it's my understanding that no one is doing the WB for herpes in canada at this point. Not sure about biokit availability.

have you had any symptoms ever?

grace

[sulamith]

i had written an answer,,but, i don't see it.

i would like to know how to proceed with trying the WB from up here in canada..do  i contact university of washington?

symptoms-small single blister 4" below my navel.

i was a houseguest of a women who does have H2.  i discovered that while i was there for 2 weeks, she had used my towel and toiletries including my razor. the blister occured while i was there.

i have been in a monogamous, loving relationship for 5 years. my partner has been tested since i've returned and he is negative.  i need to have the western blot to make my decision of whether to leave the relationship or not-the consequences with shedding etc are too great a risk.

[gracefromHHP]

you can get a male partner's risk of contracting hsv2 from you down to 1%/year. Not exactly a reason to end a relationship if your partner is willing to take that risk.

at this point wait and if you get a return of symptoms, be seen promptly for a lesion culture and typing.

has your regular partner been tested to know his status?

grace