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testing
Hello,
Four years ago I had what I consider to be my primary genital outbreak. When the doctor did blood work and a swab culture, the results came back positive for HSV-1. Since that time, I've had maybe 2 genital outbreak which were much milder and one oral outbreak (i never had oral outbreaks as a kid). I have been retested, but to be honest, I don't think the doctors and clinics I visit are repeatedly testing me for herpes even if I ask to be tested to everything they could possibly test me for.
Recently, I had a new partner after having the same partner for 2 years. The new partner and I had sex using protection for literally about 5 minutes- I had told him I had HSV-1 genital herpes before we had sex. A few weeks later, he called me to say that he had some pimples near where he had picked an ingrown hair and feared it was herpes. Now he knows that he carries HSV-1 orally since he was a kid. So he had one of his pimples swabbed and a blood test.
His swab test came back HSV-2 positive and his blood test came back negative for HSV-2. Now I realize that there is a good chance that I carry HSV-2 as well and didn't realize it. So, I'm going to get a blood test this Wednesday. What kind of blood test should I specify that they do, if any?
Thank you very much
Four years ago I had what I consider to be my primary genital outbreak. When the doctor did blood work and a swab culture, the results came back positive for HSV-1. Since that time, I've had maybe 2 genital outbreak which were much milder and one oral outbreak (i never had oral outbreaks as a kid). I have been retested, but to be honest, I don't think the doctors and clinics I visit are repeatedly testing me for herpes even if I ask to be tested to everything they could possibly test me for.
Recently, I had a new partner after having the same partner for 2 years. The new partner and I had sex using protection for literally about 5 minutes- I had told him I had HSV-1 genital herpes before we had sex. A few weeks later, he called me to say that he had some pimples near where he had picked an ingrown hair and feared it was herpes. Now he knows that he carries HSV-1 orally since he was a kid. So he had one of his pimples swabbed and a blood test.
His swab test came back HSV-2 positive and his blood test came back negative for HSV-2. Now I realize that there is a good chance that I carry HSV-2 as well and didn't realize it. So, I'm going to get a blood test this Wednesday. What kind of blood test should I specify that they do, if any?
Thank you very much
Best Answer
even the best blood tests still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. You know you have hsv1 genitally from the lesion culture results ( we'll assume that's the case ).
did your partner find out if his lesion culture was definitely typed as hsv2 and did he get a copy of his test results yet for you to post here?
Your hsv2 igg shouldn't be falsely negative 5 years into things just because you were on daily suppressive therapy.
grace
did your partner find out if his lesion culture was definitely typed as hsv2 and did he get a copy of his test results yet for you to post here?
Your hsv2 igg shouldn't be falsely negative 5 years into things just because you were on daily suppressive therapy.
grace
Hi guys,
Hopefully you can still follow my story with all these other posts in between- the other women involved did have IGG tests, but they all tested immediately after being intimate with this guy involved, so they will all need to test in another 8 weeks. My question is, I've been on suppressive therapy since I was diagnosed- so almost 5 years. Would the medication make my blood test results be negative? Basically I was looking to rule out if I carried HSV 2, because my culture was positive for HSV 1 when I had my initial diagnosis.
Thoughts?
Thank you again
Hopefully you can still follow my story with all these other posts in between- the other women involved did have IGG tests, but they all tested immediately after being intimate with this guy involved, so they will all need to test in another 8 weeks. My question is, I've been on suppressive therapy since I was diagnosed- so almost 5 years. Would the medication make my blood test results be negative? Basically I was looking to rule out if I carried HSV 2, because my culture was positive for HSV 1 when I had my initial diagnosis.
Thoughts?
Thank you again
Not one of us have have ever said that the false negative and missed tests don't exist. For the geneal population (over 80% of people) the test is to be trusted as it will show positive.
The fact isn't that you differ is the way you differ on posts which we comment and work to confirm that a testing issue should be trusted. If you had it your way every person that gets a bump will be in for a swab because there is no possible way of knowing if you have herpes or not.
You state that the IGG test should be not trusted when someone has a symptom. You said so right here. But when do you say that a bump isn't herpes? After a culture? After 100 cultures? When? Given the various number of differences (yeast, bacterial, cysts, etc) that can cause a "bump". Okay so lets say you have a painful bump or a burning painful bump? When do you say that you have to trust a swab culture? Virtually every poster here has a symptom or belief of a symptom. You incite fear when you comment on people's posting saying "Another False Negative issue!" That leads them to believe that not one IgG test should be trusted because of the false negative. You don't take the time to explain that the test could have MISSED it or that the antibody isn't being detected for various reasons and that there is a test (Western Blot) that may end up finding the infection. You don't explain sensitivity of the tests. Instead you jump off and point out another false negative or false positive.
I would love for you to look at how many times the various other blood testing we do are false negative or false positive. If you are going to comment about things make sure you provide the full amount of information that will benefit the poster. You are right it is a public forum. However, it isn't the place for you to bring your own concerns into place on someone elses thread.
As for others feeling that this is more than a simple skin condition. This only helps to fuel the stigma around herpes. I don't see people freaking out about Chickenpox... Why? Because it's just some itchy bumps that we all get as a kid.
Help towards a diagnosis is best done with your provider. We provide information to help you be informed about Herpes and help with discussing herpes.
The fact isn't that you differ is the way you differ on posts which we comment and work to confirm that a testing issue should be trusted. If you had it your way every person that gets a bump will be in for a swab because there is no possible way of knowing if you have herpes or not.
You state that the IGG test should be not trusted when someone has a symptom. You said so right here. But when do you say that a bump isn't herpes? After a culture? After 100 cultures? When? Given the various number of differences (yeast, bacterial, cysts, etc) that can cause a "bump". Okay so lets say you have a painful bump or a burning painful bump? When do you say that you have to trust a swab culture? Virtually every poster here has a symptom or belief of a symptom. You incite fear when you comment on people's posting saying "Another False Negative issue!" That leads them to believe that not one IgG test should be trusted because of the false negative. You don't take the time to explain that the test could have MISSED it or that the antibody isn't being detected for various reasons and that there is a test (Western Blot) that may end up finding the infection. You don't explain sensitivity of the tests. Instead you jump off and point out another false negative or false positive.
I would love for you to look at how many times the various other blood testing we do are false negative or false positive. If you are going to comment about things make sure you provide the full amount of information that will benefit the poster. You are right it is a public forum. However, it isn't the place for you to bring your own concerns into place on someone elses thread.
As for others feeling that this is more than a simple skin condition. This only helps to fuel the stigma around herpes. I don't see people freaking out about Chickenpox... Why? Because it's just some itchy bumps that we all get as a kid.
Help towards a diagnosis is best done with your provider. We provide information to help you be informed about Herpes and help with discussing herpes.
I am absolutely NOT here to incite fear into posters. No way at all. I think posters here already have enough fear. But I am getting the impression that although this is a public community forum, people are not allowed to post their own opinions, or more accurately, opinions that differ from you and other regular volunteers. I have never once stated that using the IGG is pointless, why would I? Stating that there are false negatives is factual, yeah? so why do you have a problem with me stating facts? It is not like I am making stuff up! If people have no symptoms and have negative blood, great. However if people are coming here, having worries about herpes and get a negative blood result, with all other tests for other infections being clear, then for me it is illogical to simply say 'trust the IGG is negative'. Surely it is better advice to say to people that although you may not think it is herpes (but we know how varied it can appear in person to person) there is still a chance their symptoms could be hsv and to continue getting swabs for the chance of getting a more accurate diagnosis. I can't possibly see the harm in advising people thisto be cautious rather than just saying, you don't have it, move on! Many cases recently also seem to be where one or both partners know they have hsv but blood isn't picking it up. I will take this conversation onto a separate post as it is not fair to discuss this in someone else's thread. But one point I would like to say, is that although you may feel herpes is just a silly skin condition that isn't going to kill you - it may mean a lot lot more for other people. And please do not challenge me. Please remember I too am just another poster, using this informative site to gain knowledge about this very complicated virus, and help towards a diagnosis.
DiDiva,
Your comments on posters threads which incite fear is pointless and not helpful. We know that the testing out will miss some of the HSV-1 tests. We have explained this (and I will explain as well here). Please if you have NOTHING helpful to say do us and the posters a favor and don't say it. It seems like you really just want to keep pointing out everyone should not even bother using the blood testing because of the false negative/false positive issues. Which is unfair, illogical, and quite honestly in my opinion mind dumb. Furthermore it is not as if HSV is going to be a killer like say HIV. It's a skin condition.
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Star1926,
I won't read your results grace can do that for you. Though I would like to say the following.
The number you see on the results for example HSV-2 0.32 is as negative as a HSV-2 0.02. The values don't mean much when dealing with the negatives. You will never score a 0.00 on the test. It's the way its read against a control value.
Now we do know that HSV-1 testing is not as sensitive as HSV-2 testing is. The gold standard in testing is the Western Blot and if you wanted you could request that to be done to see if that returns a positive result on the HSV-1 testing. However, in all honesty its a waste of time and money as you know you have it with the positive culture test you had.
Your partner testing would need to be reviewed by us as well. Was that testing an IgG test that was done? Getting his results may give us some light. However, if this is a new infection it may take 12 weeks for his antibodies to show up. Having him test 12 weeks past the last time he had sexual contact with anyone other than you would point out in all honesty what he may have. Now even our BEST testing will miss 1 out of 10 of every infections. That is where the culture does come into effect.
GIven the recent partner testing negative same would apply was she tested correctly or not? Its a question we need to know to advise you best. But I doubt his last partner would give it to him. Also was her testing done 12 weeks after her last encounter with him? Could be missing her infection as well if she had any other partners before him and enough time hasn't gone by.
Let's give grace a chance to review your results. In the meantime see if you can get his results.
Your comments on posters threads which incite fear is pointless and not helpful. We know that the testing out will miss some of the HSV-1 tests. We have explained this (and I will explain as well here). Please if you have NOTHING helpful to say do us and the posters a favor and don't say it. It seems like you really just want to keep pointing out everyone should not even bother using the blood testing because of the false negative/false positive issues. Which is unfair, illogical, and quite honestly in my opinion mind dumb. Furthermore it is not as if HSV is going to be a killer like say HIV. It's a skin condition.
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Star1926,
I won't read your results grace can do that for you. Though I would like to say the following.
The number you see on the results for example HSV-2 0.32 is as negative as a HSV-2 0.02. The values don't mean much when dealing with the negatives. You will never score a 0.00 on the test. It's the way its read against a control value.
Now we do know that HSV-1 testing is not as sensitive as HSV-2 testing is. The gold standard in testing is the Western Blot and if you wanted you could request that to be done to see if that returns a positive result on the HSV-1 testing. However, in all honesty its a waste of time and money as you know you have it with the positive culture test you had.
Your partner testing would need to be reviewed by us as well. Was that testing an IgG test that was done? Getting his results may give us some light. However, if this is a new infection it may take 12 weeks for his antibodies to show up. Having him test 12 weeks past the last time he had sexual contact with anyone other than you would point out in all honesty what he may have. Now even our BEST testing will miss 1 out of 10 of every infections. That is where the culture does come into effect.
GIven the recent partner testing negative same would apply was she tested correctly or not? Its a question we need to know to advise you best. But I doubt his last partner would give it to him. Also was her testing done 12 weeks after her last encounter with him? Could be missing her infection as well if she had any other partners before him and enough time hasn't gone by.
Let's give grace a chance to review your results. In the meantime see if you can get his results.
you see, MORE false negative blood tests....this is what scares me. How dangerous is it for those who rely on their blood work alone....trusting that they are negative when they really are positive. Only those who have had previous swabs or obvious cold sores, seem to be questioning the blood work, everyone else just trusts it and moves on - and keeps spreading hsv.....
Sorry to hear about your confusion and stress over testing. I hope you figure it out.
Sorry to hear about your confusion and stress over testing. I hope you figure it out.
Hi,
So results are in- I have yet to see them in writing but I obtained them over the phone- I had an igg test done and both my HSV 1 & 2 results are deemed "negative." There is no way I'm HSV-1 negative because I've had outbreaks and been swabbed with my genital ob coming back positive HSV 1 4 years ago. HSV 1 results were 0.64 and HSV 2 results were 0.04- thoughts???
The recent partner I was worried about who had his culture come up positive for HSV 2, but his blood work is negative did reveal that he had another partner around the same time he and I were together, however her results have also come back negative. For his whole sexual life he claims to have had regular bloodwork done and he's only been positive for HSV 1, which he insists is from coldsores as a kid.
I will get tested again in another 2 months, but is it possibly safe to say that I am not a HSV-2 carrier with a 0.04 result? Based on the fact that my HSV-1 results are significantly higher though "techniqually" considered "negative," could we assume that because I have had only 2 outbreaks and the initial one was swabbed and came back HSV-1 positive that I carry HSV-1 orally and genitally?
Thank you so much!
So results are in- I have yet to see them in writing but I obtained them over the phone- I had an igg test done and both my HSV 1 & 2 results are deemed "negative." There is no way I'm HSV-1 negative because I've had outbreaks and been swabbed with my genital ob coming back positive HSV 1 4 years ago. HSV 1 results were 0.64 and HSV 2 results were 0.04- thoughts???
The recent partner I was worried about who had his culture come up positive for HSV 2, but his blood work is negative did reveal that he had another partner around the same time he and I were together, however her results have also come back negative. For his whole sexual life he claims to have had regular bloodwork done and he's only been positive for HSV 1, which he insists is from coldsores as a kid.
I will get tested again in another 2 months, but is it possibly safe to say that I am not a HSV-2 carrier with a 0.04 result? Based on the fact that my HSV-1 results are significantly higher though "techniqually" considered "negative," could we assume that because I have had only 2 outbreaks and the initial one was swabbed and came back HSV-1 positive that I carry HSV-1 orally and genitally?
Thank you so much!
only a small percentage of folks have both hsv2 and hsv1 genitally. It happens but it's 5% of folks overall.
at this point, certainly check with this partner to make sure that his lesion culture was actually typed as being hsv2 and not just hsv+ and assumed hsv2 as was already suggested. also make sure that he had herpes igg blood testing done and not igm testing done too. also ask him when was the last time he had sex prior to you too.
as for yourself, cover your bases with a hsv2 igg blood test and go from there. if you are negative for hsv2, consider repeating it in 3 months to make sure you didn't contract hsv2 from this partner.
grace
at this point, certainly check with this partner to make sure that his lesion culture was actually typed as being hsv2 and not just hsv+ and assumed hsv2 as was already suggested. also make sure that he had herpes igg blood testing done and not igm testing done too. also ask him when was the last time he had sex prior to you too.
as for yourself, cover your bases with a hsv2 igg blood test and go from there. if you are negative for hsv2, consider repeating it in 3 months to make sure you didn't contract hsv2 from this partner.
grace
Is it possible that I could have been infected by someone with HSV-1 genitally in 2007 and reinfected with HSV-2 genitally months or years later?
They will most probably have your records, yes. Getting a copy of your results and getting a type specific blood test is the way to go, good job. And also make sure your partner is getting the right results as well.
As I said above, your partner might have caught it from someone else.
As I said above, your partner might have caught it from someone else.
Also, I'm fairly certain that my swab culture came back HSV-1 positive, but I will try and confirm this.
Thank you both for responding- I really appreciate it. I will request an IGG blood test and pray that I haven't contracted HSV-2 in the last 4 years and didn't realize it. I will also contact the clinic I went to four years ago, but what are the chances they will still have my records?
Oh, and make sure his results were really HSV2. Some providers usually assume it`s HSV2 because its genital.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
In your case I am left wondering how you were tested 4 years ago and what came back positive. Was it only the lab work that came back positive or the culture? The reason I am asking this is because if your lab work (blood work) was positive was it a combo test, a type specific igg test, or a igm test? If the culture came back did they do typing on the culture to know what type or did they just assume based off the blood work.
Alot plays in the questions I have. When those people have HSV-1 already it is hard to get the infection in a new location. We only see this typically with inital infections were both sites get infected from the same encounter.
Now what I think took place is they swabed it came back positive with no type and they used your lab work and saw a positive HSV-1 and figured that is what you had. In reality you had HSV-1 orally as a kid and your culture was HSV-2 positive and it was a new infection and they either didn't test you using an igg type specific test or you just didn't have the antibodies t determine your status.
Now to answer your question. I gave the information first to help you try and understand what is going on here. When you are tested using the blood test request a type specific igg blood test. Tell them you do NOT want an IgM testing. Also ask for copies of your previous lab work where you were "positive" so we can see if they did type your culture.