hsv 1 had for a long time hsv 2 positive test?

I had an encounter last october. A few days later was moving alot and felt burning (no itching). Mostly oral but, he did have kind of long fingernails (yuck) so I didnt know if I got cut. Anyway went to dr. and there were 3 very small bumps and I was freaking out. She swabbed them but they came back neg. Happened couple more times so I went back got tested 2mos. later for everything hiv,syph,hsv1 and hsv2 basically everything. All was neg. except hsv 1 no surprise. Started taking valtrex just to be safe. I have alot of skin issues so I sometimes apply over the counter hydrocortisone also had thrush right after incident too last oct. was and have been under alot of stress this year. So I decided to get retested at my other dr.s office a couple weeks ago. Anyway, they call me with results the other day all neg again except advised me that I am positive for hsv 2 my result was 1.28. She said that is low but it is positive and maybe I should get retested in 6 mos. This result is a whole year after exposure and  its low. Am I positive? Thank you

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Anyone who has an ELISA value (the test you had) that is between 1.1 and 3.5 needs confirmation of this test result with another test.  I strongly recommend the western blot test, done at the University of Washington.  This can be sent through Quest Lab, test code 34534.  If your doctor uses Quest labs, it should be very easy, and can be done now, as a year has passed since the contact.  I hope you will pursue this further testing now so you don't have to be in limbo for any longer than necessary.  My guess is your confirmatory test will be negative, but there's no way to know until you do it!

Best to you.

Terri

[curious830]

also test was iGG

[curious830]

Wow that really gives me hope....Since I have had hsv 1 my whole life could that be why the number is so low or should it be higher since it has been a whole year. Are most  people's higher after a year? Just really worried thank you so much for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I would expect, after a year, for the test result to be higher, yes.  I think you definitely need confirmation by western blot, get on that right away so you can hopefully (fingers crossed) stop worrying about this soon.

Terri

[curious830]

Thank you so much....it gives me hope I told nurse at my dr. about getting more test and they say you are positive. We can test again in 6 weeks (they had said 6 months) but, you are positive and its just a confirmation. This whole thing is just upsetting and I just want to say thank you for helping people to keep their mind at ease.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm not sure how you can get the test then.  I would probably be persistent - say that you've read about false positives in the 1.1 to 3.5 range and ask if they use Quest labs.  Say that you've read on national websites that test code 34534 should be used to confirm any index value between 1.1 and 3.5, say its relatively new information, no surprise that they haven't heard it yet, ask please, could they do this.  Be strong and persistent, assertive, pleasant, persistent.

Terri

[curious830]

Ok, will do and thanks again!

[curious830]

Oh, I meant to ask just out of curiosity. What causes this false positive? Is it because I already have hsv 1 and how common are false positives? I think I read something about cross contamination? The hsv 1 doesnt bother me because I havent had a cold sore in about 15 years. Just hoping if hsv 2 is positive maybe I can suppress that too. Thanks again!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, perhaps there is some low level of cross reactivity with HSV 1.

Terri

[curious830]

Hi Terri,
I finally spoke with nurse, she is very patient and pleasant. I do however, want a definitive result. I told her of what I have learned here  so I am calling my ins to see if they cover the western blot. She did inform me that maybe my test was high at 12 weeks? And  now it has lowered....test was negative at 8 weeks. My question can it spike to a high between negative at 8 weeks to high at 12 weeks? I wouldnt know as I did not know to get tested at 12 weeks. So, again at  1 year later it  is 1.28, Can it just become low because it is a year later and like I said have had hsv 1 since childhood?
Thanks again so much!

[curious830]

And finally was informed by the person I thought may have given it to me that he is negative so I am starting to really believe it was actually a false positive.
Thanks again.

[curious830]

Hi Terri,
I guess I have rambled a bit....very sorry just has been very stressful. Just wanted to know if the code has to be 34534. My ins didnt recognize that but has coverage for western blot tests. One specifically has a code of 84182. Just wondered if that is the same test as my dr.'s office has no idea about it. Last question and thanks again!

[curious830]

I actually got the 800# to U of Washington. They said the code is 84181 for western blot and my ins covers this at 100% so, wanted to make sure this is the same test. Kind of only trusting you word now:) Thanks!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

that code is not a Quest code, I don't think, so I don't know if that is right test code, but the U W lab would give you the right information, I'm sure.  I would go for the test, and see what you get back.  If it covers western blot for herpes at 100%, I doubt that you can miss.  Go for it!   Let me know how this goes for you, OK.?

Terri

[curious830]

Ok I will. Just so nervous and worried. Thanks again Terri!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I know you are worried, understandably, but this test will give you clarification.
Terri

[curious830]

Just wanted to let you know that I am having difficulty (to say the least) about anything western blot or biokit. My dr called and left me a message saying why dont we just retest in 3 mos as the western very complicated....long story short I went in today to have another hsv 2 only herpes select iGG test re-done. I explained to them that my exposure was a year ago not recently and they said something about well your immune system whatever I just feel like they are underinformed and dont want to deal with it. She said my test result will just be the same a month later. Anyway will let you know what this one says (first one was 1.28). If its still questionably low is there any specialist in the atlanta area? I'm a long way from Washington and nobody here seems to know a thing!
Thanks again!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

There are definitely branches of Quest in Atlanta. I would suggest you try to find them through your Dr. or call Healthcheckusa.com and ask if they can send samples to Quest.  Alternatively, if your next HerpeSelect is lower than the first, I would assume it is a false positive.  The comments about the test results from your Dr. Office seem off base to me.

Terri

[curious830]

Hi Terri,
I just wanted to let you know that the result was not lower, it was 1.46 (again first was 1.28). I am going to try and find a Quest lab. I just dont know if I should assume I have it. Again, the only possible exposure was 1 year ago {abstinence) and 2 months later was negative. I'm sorry to have asked so many questions, I  think the western blot and any confirmatory test  along with your expertise is so needed. Do you think  that 2 months after exposure that I would test negative and 1 year later have low positives like this? I mean 2 low positives in a row? I just am thinking I have it. Thank you so much for your time and patience I wont bug you with more questions until I can find some way to get the western blot.
Thank you again!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The difference between 1.28 and 1.46 means nothing, this is not an increase, just a change in comparison to the positive control.  You will need a western blot!  Do not think that you have it quite yet, and do not live as though you have it, you don't know that.  I'm going to call Healthcheckusa.com this morning to see if they will add the western blot to their list of tests, this is ridiculously hard for people to obtain.

Terri

[curious830]

I agree! And as a health care professional to be afraid to pursue things, well you know. Its frustrating and they should at least attempt to get info from those of  you who specialize instead of having people stress like  this. They dont even want anything to do with it. My insurance covers this test at 100 %! Too complicated for them as they have said you get the kit and we will send it in. Like I know how to do these things? Anyway I will call Quest and dont know how long this is gonna take but, I do think that since it was negative 2 months post (even though he says he tested negative) with 2 positive results I think somehow I got it. I will try to contact Quest and let you know. I cant thank you enough for helping me and all people stressing about this!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I am pursuing western blot for herpes through healthcheckusa.com.  We are going to talk about it on Tuesday via teleconference.  I'm hoping it might be resolved by then so I can guide you!
Terri

[curious830]

Cant thank you enough Terri!!!!

[curious830]

Just as a side note I, obviously have anxiety about getting the FINAL result. Please can you tell me just statistically if someone has hsv 2 who has had hsv 1 for a lifetime, would their results maybe be lower positives one year later? Or if someone were to contract hsv 2 do the results always rise to 3.5 or above? Gotta prepare my self for western blot....

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, I don't think if you have HSV 1 the HSV 2 results would be lower.  And no, people's values don't always risk to above 3.5.
Terri

[curious830]

Ok, thanks for your patience I cant tell you how much you have helped me through this. I guess there is just no way to know until western blot result. This test should be more available especially when insurance covers it! I will wait to hear if you are able to find anything out from healthcheckusa. Thank you so much.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You are most welcome.  I hope to have more news for you next week about you can get this test.  In the meantime, try to relax and enjoy Halloween!
Terri

[congo74]

You rock Terri! Thanks for everything you do.
In addition to the testing service you mention I have also had go experience with privatemdlabs.com (using labcorp). They are a little slower than some of the other services - it usually take 3 full business days - however their prices are reasonable. E.g less than $70 for a hsv2 igg (this includes a 15% discount which they have honored for quiet some time now).

[congo74]

Perhaps privatemdlabs would be interested in adding the western blot test to their test menu.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Perhaps they would!  The more services that offer testing, the better.  My discussion with healthcheckusa.com did not result in a clear answer about the western blot.  They are still working on it.

Terri

[curious830]

Thank you so much for your efforts! I will continue to pursue getting the western blot test. Will post after test and results.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I've not heard any more from healthcheck this week, sorry.
Terri

[curious830]

I have had no success either. I cant believe someone with insurance cannot get this test. It is so frustrating. I decided to do my own little test at home. I went off the valtrex and within days I had a very small area on the left side bottom of vaginal lips? juist a smal spot but looked like 3 little red bumps. no pain or itching. but clearly even though small, a cluster. Hopefully one day me and so many others will be able to get this test. As of now this seems confirmation that I have it. Please let me know if testing becomes more available and thank you for all that you do!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I don't think your own test is very scientific unless you had these bumps swab tested and they were positive for HSV 2.  Lets just wait and figure out how to get the western blot.

Terri

[curious830]

Very true, not scientific. I guess people do desperate things sometimes as I have made some calls to no avail. I decided to ask this person (whom all this started with a year ago) to be tested again. He seems to be a respectable person and he agreed and said he would have a full panel and let me know in about a week. He did reassure me that he has not ever had any symptoms but, I know that doesnt mean alot. Not sure what it will mean if he tests negative for hsv 2 not very hopeful though. I will let you know as soon as I hear from him. Thanks again you have helped me so much through this.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I have found the test codes for LabCorp.  If your doctor uses labcorp, they can just write in the words "HSV WB at Univ. of Washington" and that should get it done.  Do you know what lab your doctor uses?

Terri

[curious830]

Wow, ok I'm not sure. I will call them and find out and let you know. Thank you!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Welcome.

Terri

[worriedandrestless]

I need help and read above and wonder if I should get my labs redone. I had a HSV test done on 7/7/07 with HSV1 >5.0 as a result and HSV2 0.02. I had a test redone 11/12/09; HSV1/2 IGG, herpeselect type specific AB  results: HSV1 >5.0 and HSV2 1.55. The Dr. called me and just said I was possitive HSV2 without and explaination. I am scared and I have done my research and know now (because of you:-)) that is is a low positive. Whats should I do? retest? That was my OBGYN I went to, I know my primary Dr. uses Labcorp, should I call him to test me? Or should I just assume it is positive?
B

[worriedandrestless]

Correction, the first test was done 7/7/08 and I just happened to ask for HSV testing being that I was sexually active. Since then I have been in a relationship for one year with a different partner. I just asked him to get tested today, and I scared him. What do I do next? I also refuse to go back to this OBGYN, she seems not to be informed about many things. Also called me saying that I had Hep B (positive) while she ordered the AB test and not the antigen. I had DNA testing done for the Hep B and it was negative and only because I caught the mistake. I knew I had been vaccinated:-( I only went back to her because I did not want to wait 2months to get an appointment with another OBGYN.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, ask for the western blot.
Terri