Aa
low positives - confirmatory results
If you were tested with a type specific herpes igg blood test and had a low positive result for hsv2 ( anything under 4.0 ) and sought out confirmatory testing, what were your eventual results?
Hi everyone,
First time poster.
Firstly, I can't say THANK YOU enough to people like Grace. Thank you, Grace. :) All your worked to educate others (along with others) is definitely making a major difference in people's lives. Bravo.
Here's my story...
About 1.5 years ago, my life was turned upside when I went to get a full STD panel test. I got regularly tested (usually every year or so) so it wasn't anything I hadn't done many times before.
But I'll never forget the lady on the phone telling me I had tested positive for HSV-2. (Negative on everything else.) Like many others, I was completely devasted. I had never had any symptoms (that I knew of) and so being told I tested positive was a shock.
I spent about a week feeling completely depressed. I thought maybe it was possible no one would ever love me again and I would end up alone. I had all sorts of those thoughts like many others do.
After that first week or so, I felt like I needed to become educated about my situation. So I went online and did all the research I could about HSV-2. I learned that millions of others live with the virus and it really isn't the end of the world. More than anything, the social phobia of it is was overblown.
But one thing I discovered during my research was this forum, along with many posts by Grace, Dr. HHH, and many other thoughtful people. I would also soon discover this 'thing' known as false positive ELISA HerpesSelect results, and low positive values between 1.1 and 3.5.
I didn't even have the nerve to call back the clinic to ask what test was used (I was afraid of what they'd say) and what my IGG value was. So one of my friend's called next to me and I told him what to ask. Sure, enough it was the HerpesSelect test and IGG value 2.6 for HSV-2. Right in the middle of that low positive range. * Important note, I was NOT positive for HSV-1 like many others that get false positives. Only positive for HSV-2.
So after reading all the great info from Grace and others here, I learned that I really need to go and take a confirmation test. So I called the company that makes the BioKit test, found the closest clinic that used it (2 hours away by train) and off I went to take that test at a Planned Parenthood. The nurse that drew my blood was really nice to me (I had told her my story and the research I did) and she actually let me stay in the room as she performed the BioKit test... NEGATIVE.
I couldn't believe it. How could this other clinic tell me that my blood without a doubt indicated that I had HSV-2, yet my research led me to believe this might not be the case - and the BioKit confirmed that I was indeed negative. I was outraged.
More to the story...
For the past 1.5 years since that all happened, I'll be honest, I still had my lingering doubts whether I was infected in somehow or not. I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that a test DID say I was positive. What caused that 2.6 value? What was going on with my blood that gave that reading? There was still a small part of me that believed I was possibly infected. Most of the days I would put it out of my mind, but there were a few sleepless nights when my obsessive mind would latch onto it and get my really down.
To add to that... I could no longer enjoy the part of town where that original clinic was. Every time I'd pass by it would bring back the strong emotions and make me doubt what my actual health status was.
That brings me to today. For whatever reason I felt compelled to just go back to the original clinic (only one in NYC that gives same day test results) and get a full STD panel done. I was just curious what would happen.
Everything came back negative. My HSV-2 IGG value... 0.110.
I had a long talk with the doctor and the nurses there and was adamant about raising awareness of false positives. They said they had heard about a few of them happening but they were completely unaware of the studies done that show as many as 50-70% of those low positives can be false. I told them about this site and told them they need to do more research and educate their patients that receive low positive results.
Anyway thanks for listening to me ramble through all of that. Thanks again to Grace and everyone else doing their best to educate people. I can only imagine how many people are walking around right now thinking they are infected when they are not. It's infuriating.
To everyone reading this and going through something similar or having confirmed negative results, know that there are tons of people that care about you and this virus doesn't define you.
-Mike
First time poster.
Firstly, I can't say THANK YOU enough to people like Grace. Thank you, Grace. :) All your worked to educate others (along with others) is definitely making a major difference in people's lives. Bravo.
Here's my story...
About 1.5 years ago, my life was turned upside when I went to get a full STD panel test. I got regularly tested (usually every year or so) so it wasn't anything I hadn't done many times before.
But I'll never forget the lady on the phone telling me I had tested positive for HSV-2. (Negative on everything else.) Like many others, I was completely devasted. I had never had any symptoms (that I knew of) and so being told I tested positive was a shock.
I spent about a week feeling completely depressed. I thought maybe it was possible no one would ever love me again and I would end up alone. I had all sorts of those thoughts like many others do.
After that first week or so, I felt like I needed to become educated about my situation. So I went online and did all the research I could about HSV-2. I learned that millions of others live with the virus and it really isn't the end of the world. More than anything, the social phobia of it is was overblown.
But one thing I discovered during my research was this forum, along with many posts by Grace, Dr. HHH, and many other thoughtful people. I would also soon discover this 'thing' known as false positive ELISA HerpesSelect results, and low positive values between 1.1 and 3.5.
I didn't even have the nerve to call back the clinic to ask what test was used (I was afraid of what they'd say) and what my IGG value was. So one of my friend's called next to me and I told him what to ask. Sure, enough it was the HerpesSelect test and IGG value 2.6 for HSV-2. Right in the middle of that low positive range. * Important note, I was NOT positive for HSV-1 like many others that get false positives. Only positive for HSV-2.
So after reading all the great info from Grace and others here, I learned that I really need to go and take a confirmation test. So I called the company that makes the BioKit test, found the closest clinic that used it (2 hours away by train) and off I went to take that test at a Planned Parenthood. The nurse that drew my blood was really nice to me (I had told her my story and the research I did) and she actually let me stay in the room as she performed the BioKit test... NEGATIVE.
I couldn't believe it. How could this other clinic tell me that my blood without a doubt indicated that I had HSV-2, yet my research led me to believe this might not be the case - and the BioKit confirmed that I was indeed negative. I was outraged.
More to the story...
For the past 1.5 years since that all happened, I'll be honest, I still had my lingering doubts whether I was infected in somehow or not. I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that a test DID say I was positive. What caused that 2.6 value? What was going on with my blood that gave that reading? There was still a small part of me that believed I was possibly infected. Most of the days I would put it out of my mind, but there were a few sleepless nights when my obsessive mind would latch onto it and get my really down.
To add to that... I could no longer enjoy the part of town where that original clinic was. Every time I'd pass by it would bring back the strong emotions and make me doubt what my actual health status was.
That brings me to today. For whatever reason I felt compelled to just go back to the original clinic (only one in NYC that gives same day test results) and get a full STD panel done. I was just curious what would happen.
Everything came back negative. My HSV-2 IGG value... 0.110.
I had a long talk with the doctor and the nurses there and was adamant about raising awareness of false positives. They said they had heard about a few of them happening but they were completely unaware of the studies done that show as many as 50-70% of those low positives can be false. I told them about this site and told them they need to do more research and educate their patients that receive low positive results.
Anyway thanks for listening to me ramble through all of that. Thanks again to Grace and everyone else doing their best to educate people. I can only imagine how many people are walking around right now thinking they are infected when they are not. It's infuriating.
To everyone reading this and going through something similar or having confirmed negative results, know that there are tons of people that care about you and this virus doesn't define you.
-Mike
Hello,
I am in a similar situation as many people in this forum. I was tested in January 2011 along with my annual since I was sexually active. I found out I got HSV 1, but negative HSV 2.
HSV 1 >5.00
HSV 2 .46
Again in September
HSV 2 .3
Again last week using the HSV Type 1/2AB and got
HSV 2 1.34
My question: is there is a difference between the HSV Type 1/2 AB test and the HSV Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IGG by ELISA? Will the second test give you more specific results than the other one? My first doctor said that it can be a cross-reactivity and the second one said if I've never had a lesion or breakout, I shouldn't worry too much and be re-tested (which I did.)
I had my bloodwork re-done again using the ELISA test and also asked my doctor to give me the WB test.... not sure if he'll have problems mailing it out or LabQuest can do that.
I've never had any lesions, but I'm scaring myself thinking that maybe those 'ingrown hairs' were maybe lesions? Is it possible to mistake the two? I've been with the same boyfriend for 9 months and he also got tested, but his results haven't come back. If he's negative, should I be relieved that I'm a false positive?
I really learned a lot of from forum and if anyone can answer my questions, I would greatly appreciate it.
I am in a similar situation as many people in this forum. I was tested in January 2011 along with my annual since I was sexually active. I found out I got HSV 1, but negative HSV 2.
HSV 1 >5.00
HSV 2 .46
Again in September
HSV 2 .3
Again last week using the HSV Type 1/2AB and got
HSV 2 1.34
My question: is there is a difference between the HSV Type 1/2 AB test and the HSV Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IGG by ELISA? Will the second test give you more specific results than the other one? My first doctor said that it can be a cross-reactivity and the second one said if I've never had a lesion or breakout, I shouldn't worry too much and be re-tested (which I did.)
I had my bloodwork re-done again using the ELISA test and also asked my doctor to give me the WB test.... not sure if he'll have problems mailing it out or LabQuest can do that.
I've never had any lesions, but I'm scaring myself thinking that maybe those 'ingrown hairs' were maybe lesions? Is it possible to mistake the two? I've been with the same boyfriend for 9 months and he also got tested, but his results haven't come back. If he's negative, should I be relieved that I'm a false positive?
I really learned a lot of from forum and if anyone can answer my questions, I would greatly appreciate it.
bump
Hi,
I was just tested positive with a 1.79 for HSV2 two weeks ago. I tested with STDtestexpress and I don't know how accurate their tests are, they claim to be 98% accurate. I don't know if I had any symptoms, it's hard to tell. Doctors have examined me and said that they don't think I've had a breakout and some even doubt that I have it yet but I've been freaking out thinking every bump and red spot is herpes related. I had a really horrible case of tonsillitis a few months ago, not sure if that is related to the herpes because my tonsils never went down. I believe I'm at a high risk of having it, but I'm praying I don't. My boyfriend was tested negative so that is a good sign. I plan on getting tested with the western blot.
I was just tested positive with a 1.79 for HSV2 two weeks ago. I tested with STDtestexpress and I don't know how accurate their tests are, they claim to be 98% accurate. I don't know if I had any symptoms, it's hard to tell. Doctors have examined me and said that they don't think I've had a breakout and some even doubt that I have it yet but I've been freaking out thinking every bump and red spot is herpes related. I had a really horrible case of tonsillitis a few months ago, not sure if that is related to the herpes because my tonsils never went down. I believe I'm at a high risk of having it, but I'm praying I don't. My boyfriend was tested negative so that is a good sign. I plan on getting tested with the western blot.
bump
Thank you Grace again for your help. Back in 12/11 I went for a routine gyono appointment and decided to test for all STD's. My blood test came back positive with HSV-2 2.52 I believe. After speaking with Grace she suggested I retest given my circumstances and situation. Again in 5/12 I had the same IgG test redone and came back positive 1.1. Grace advised that I was still testing too early and to wait a little longer and retest the IgG or go for a WB. I went for the WB and after some headache of educating my doctor on the test I was finally able to get the WB. Today I got the test results back negative! Obviously I was thrilled. I am glad to say I am a good example of why you should definitely retest with the WB if you have low positive results or if you tested positive without symptoms or whatever your reason. The test is a little expensive and you might need to be patient with the doctor as it seems most are not familiar with the test but it is worth it. Below is a link of my original conservation with Grace for more accurate dates and details.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/False-Positive-on-a-IgG-test/show/1671382#post_7624285
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/False-Positive-on-a-IgG-test/show/1671382#post_7624285
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
