HSV 2 Confirmatory Testing

[orange10]

I had a Herpeselect HSV 2 IGG type specific test done through my primary doc with following results:   1.77,    0.00 – 0.89 Index,  Interprtation = POSITIVE.  NEVERhad any outbreaks, lesions, etc…  I asked my primary if there were any false positives with the Herpeselect and she gave me a resounding ‘No’ and said a retest would be a waste of time considering the positive result.   Did some research on my own and learned that low-end positive Herpeselct results may, in fact, be false positive.  Was retested at Westover Heights with the Focus Inhibition Assay with following results:  HSV2 IGG screening index, 1.98;  % inhibition, - 13.3,  inhibition study interpretation = FALSE POSITIVE.  Talked to a nurse at Westover just to confirm my false positive results, which she did.  I have yet to discuss my new results with my primary.  I must admit I’m a bit apprehensive as to what her take will be of the Inhibition Study – if she even knows what that test is.  Just wanted to know what the difference between the Herpeselect and the Inhibition Study is in terms of interpreting results.  Might my primary doc just in the dark about confirmatory testing?  Thanks in advance.

[gracefromHHP]

I saw you asked that same question on the doctor's page - was hoping they'd answer you so I didn't have to go look up the numbers myself on the false positive rates. I'm not sure I actually have even seen the newest numbers from the newest version of the herpes select ( they tweaked it a little about 2 years ago to get the false positive rate even lower - it already had one of the lowest false positive rates around ).  There are a lot of factors that go into the false positive rates and I don't remember all the stats on it to give you any accurate numbers.  It can be a significant false positive rate in some low risk populations though if I recall :(  

The gals at westover heights would be much better at explaining the inhibition assay than I am!!!  They are all terrific people there - give them a call and they'll gladly explain it better to you :)  

grace

[orange10]

Hey Grace,
Thanks a lot for your help.  Considering how taxing hsv testing is in general, it has been quite upsetting having to try to convince my primary that there are other tests out there that may be a bit more accurate than the Herpeselect.  The one thing I was trying to understand is how the Inhibition is interpreted.  Is it more of a qualitative interpretation?  And just out of curiosity, do you happen to know the percentage of false positives occuring with the Herpeselect?  Thanks in advance!

[gracefromHHP]

the inhibition assay is kinds a mini WB. What is does is look at more parts of the igg than the regular herpes select test does.  The folks at westover heights are EXCELLENT and are well educated on interpreting the inhibition results so you can trust them 100%.  I'd actually call them and ask them to send your doctor a letter with your results that way if your doctor has more questions she can either contact them or she can even contact the fine folks at focus - they will gladly take the time to explain the inhibition assay to her as well as provide her with further info on when it's appropriate to question a hsv2 result under 3.5 :)  I've met a few of their reps from out your way and they are just wonderful and patient at explaining their products and also their shortcomings!

Also fyi - almost all medical practioners are in the dark about herpes testing in general. not many are aware of the false positive issues with even the newest version of the herpes select unfortunately.  I'm glad you did your homework and pursued this :)

grace

[Tommy420]

as far as I know, Herpeselect IGG testing is pretty accurate.  I would get another test done elsewhere that uses Herpeselect IGG if you want to be 100% sure.