confusing test results

Dear Grace,

I was recently tested for both HSV 1 & HSV 2.  I had a small rash on my back side, went to the ob/gyn.  She noticed a small sore and took a culture of the sore.  She also then sent me to the lab to have a blood test.  The culture from the sore came back negative for herpes.  The blood test came back negative for HSV 1 (0.59) and positve for HSV 2 (>5.0).  She was not too concerned about the blood test results.  She said the definitive test was the culture to the sore which was negative.  She told me not to worry about it.  She said there is a lot of controversy re the blood testing and "cross reactivity" (whatever that means).  I've had chicken pox and mono in the past which is in the herpes family so not sure if she was referring to that as cross reactivity.  Can you please shed some light on my results.  Should I get a different blood test?  I'm reading about the WB test or the Biokit.  Thank you.

[Still_Worried_]

Where exactly was the sore located?
What type of blood test was utilized?  Herpeselect?  Captia?  Make sure it was an IgG test, not a IgM test.  IgM results are very unreliable.

If you took an IgG test, you are in the range where it is unlikely to be a false positive.  However, a Biokit or a Western Blot is definitely the way to go for confirmation.

When is the last time you've had sex?  Biokit & Western Blots are more accurate 4+ months after last sexual exposure.

[scared5257]

There was only one small sore next to my rectum.  I didn't even notice anything.  I had no pain or discomfort; the only thing I notice was the small rash on my back side.  I never had any outbreak of any kind before.  My doctor said I could have had it for years and just not had any symptoms.  I'm not sure of the name of the blood test but the results only indicate IGG.  The last time I had sex was 10/31/10 when I had the rash before I saw the doctor.

[gracefromHHP]

you have hsv2. Your igg is above the typical false positive cut off rate. Lesion cultures are notoriously falsely negative so having a negative lesion culture doesn't mean it's not hsv2 going on. i'd avoid sex until this is completely healed. I assume you weren't given herpes antivirals since your provider is a bit confused about herpes testing from the sounds of things?

if you have a regular partner, they too need tested for herpes so you know who has what and can make educated decisions as far as precautions to take.  

this would've been a herpes recurrence since your blood test was + so soon after you last had had sex so one small sore is pretty typical.  

grace