HSV 1 and 2 Test Interpretation

I have a question regarding my test results. I've been tested for Herpes and the results have come back the following:

HSV 1 IGG 1:2560 (reference range <1:10)
HSV 2 IGG 1:320 (reference range <1:10)

I've had one cold sore on my lip about 5 or 6 years ago but never displayed any other symptoms either orally or vaginally. I've been sexually active with partners and they've always used condoms. I've had oral sex only with my husband. I recall having a boyfriend who had a cold sore on his lip but we never kissed when he had an outbreak and we never had oral sex or sex at all.

I'm confused by these test results and from what I'm reading on this forum was wondering if I have a false positive result for the HSV 2. Any clarification would be very helpful.

Thank you.
    

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I believe those results are from an old-style, outdated HSV blood test.  Such tests do not distinguish accurately between HSV-1 and HSV-2.  All you can tell for sure is that you have HSV of one type or the other.  The results do not tell whether you have been infected with HSV-1, HSV-2, or both.  Most likely it is HSV-1 only, but that's not certain.

You need to be retested with a modern, type-specific test.  If you are in the US, you could ask for your provider to send the specimen to Quest Laboratories (available nationwide), which routinely does the HerpeSelect test, the most commonly used type-specific antibody test.

Good luck-- HHH, MD