Herpes test results

I posted on here a couple months ago under Chrissygal, but I couldn't log in under that name, so created a new account.  I just wanted to get your opinion about my test results.  I have never had a known outbreak either genital or on my lips, but my results seem to say that I do have herpes.  Also, I have never had a partner come back to me saying he contracted herpes from me.

My first test done in April was a HerpesSelect test which came out with the following results:  Type 1 - >5
                                 Type 2  - 3.38

I went and got a HSV-2 IGG, Herpeselect w/refl to Inhibition on the recommendation of Grace.  This was an ELISA screening and the results came out 1.70.  The explanation of the test results says:
   < 0.90  Negative - No HSV-2 IGG antibody detected
    .90-1.10  Equivocal
    > 1.10 Positive- HSV-2 IGG antibody detected.

Obviously the results show positive, but not by a huge number, 1.10 is positive and I have 1.7?  I guess my main question is I have read that if my HSV-1 is high which the first test said >5 then my HSV-2 could be effected.  Is this correct?  Would you recommend I get the University of Washington test done?  I am taking Valtrex daily, but I just still can't believe I am positive since I have never had a known outbreak and I shave down there daily, so you would think I would know this and never a cold sore on my lips.

Just looking for some advice.  Thanks so much!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Both of your HSV-2 results are in the gray zone, especially since your HSV-1 result is positive; the 3.38 seems real but 1.70 may well be falsely positive.  (Yes, it is true that in the presence of HSV-1 antibody, low-positive HSV-2 results often are false.)

You can do one of two things to resolve this.  One is to have another HSV-2 test by a different test manufacturer, such as the BiokitUSA test.  Research shows it to be a good tie-breaker for equivocal HSV-2 HerpeSelect results.  The other approach is to do as you suggest, have a specimen sent to UW for a Western blot test. That's the gold standard and will definitely sort things out.  The only downside is that it's expensive, up to $200 when you include your own provider's and lab's handling and shipping costs.  But your health insurance likely will cover it, if you're not in a restrictive HMO.

That you 'have never had a known outbreak' is irrelevant.  That is true for most people with truly positive HSV-2 results.

HHH, MD

[coolpaddy1983]

A related discussion, Need lil help for my HSV test results was started.