Low-positive test results

[trevolor]

It's been 29 hours since hearing that I tested positve for HSV-2, the result was 1.0 but I am not sure whether it was Herpselect or the IGG test. I asked specifically for a herpes test because I want to test for everything being new to dating after a 10 year monogamous relationship--I nor my ex have ever had any symptoms, bumps, blisters, etc. I have been a complete and total wreck and was horrified and angry that I had never been tested before for Herpes--but after reading forums like this I can see why people aren't tested for herpes routinely with these tests because of the grey areas and the trauma that a false positive can and does incur. I am comforted by what I am reading but, what should I do now because I need to know for sure either way!! I feel like there is a good chance that I do not have genital herpes (I was negative for HSV-1 it was a low number, don't remember through the trauma of the HSV-2 result) but what are my chances. Unlikely? Probably? Exposed? WHAT?!!!?? I have an appt with a doctor that specializes that I found on the Herpes Home Page--but I have to get through the week-end without a breakdown. (it should be noted that I have a tendency towards anxiety.) Trying to relax but the only thing that will relax me is to be told that it is highly unlikely that I do not have herpes-2. thanks.

[trevolor]

you were right, there was something wrong--my useless doctor read the results wrong the first time--they were always >5, she said they were 1.0 (for 2 different HSV2-IGG )herpeselect tests). Even I could read it when I got a copy for myself--clearly positive. So I could have been in the acceptance stage by now--seems like I keep getting the news for the first time. thanks for all of your help and I apologize for the misinformation.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The is a problem with the test you had. Western Blot results from the University of Washington are not reported out with numerical values.   If you perchance have acquired HSV-2, it is not the end of the world HSV is transmitted by direct contact with the site of infection.  Thus if you have GH, you will not transmit it by kissing.  For more information on HSV, I suggest you visit the excellent informational web site run by the American Social Health Association (ASHA) (disclosure, both Dr.Handsfield and I are on the Board of Directors of ASHA.

Again. there is something wrong with your test result. If you were tested with the Focus Diagnositics Western Blot, that is not the same thing as the test at the University of Washington.  EWH

[trevolor]

I have a copy of the WB, type specific test it is >5 for HSV-2
I am completely flipped out and having had one safe condom-using dating scenario 2 months ago--I am astonished that that could have possibly been the source. I understand that there is asymptomatic shedding, but, really? regardless of whether it is from 20 years ago, 1 year ago, or 2 months ago now my fear is that I have a this ridiculously easy to transfer, asymptomatic, herpes virus. and HSV-2 can be transmitted orally? so should I not kiss my nephews and nieces, I am too freaked to head back into the dating scene. I have an appt with an ID Doctor next month but do you have any more thoughts on how my antibodies went from 1.0 Herpeselect to >5 Western Blot in a month?  I know that I have herpes 2, I am not looking to be told that I don't have Herpes 2(though there is still a hope that will not die because I nor either of my 2 partners in 10 years have ever had any symptoms regardless of the 99% accuracy of the WB, it seems to be closer to 100% as far as positive=positive).  I was just getting every test done so that I could enter the dating scene with a clean bill of health and then I could request the same. That was an epic failure,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You do not even know if the test you had was a type-specific gG-based test.  these are the only ones that will help you with your situation.  I agree with you however that it sounds as though the test you had was similar to the one you had earlier.

If the test was a type-specific, gG-based test and your levels went from 1.0 to 5.0 in a short time, this is compatible with recently acquired infection and rising antibodies due to that.  The entire business seems a little bizarre to me.  I think you need more clarification as to what tests have been performed.  EWH

[trevolor]

I called the office and the doctor wasn't in, I asked the receptionist if she could confirm what test that was that my result was a "5": she said that the results only say "Herpes Simplex IGG" so besides the fact that this office doesn't seem to be able to differentiate between tests which is a whole other aggravation. assuming that it was a very similar test to the first one--how did my antibodies go up so much in a month? does this mean that it could be a recent infection? as I mentioned I have never had a break-out or a symptom. and yes, I am going to find a different "specialist" thanks for your help, I know that I have Herpes, I just want to have the right information.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I would inquire on the MedHelp Communtiy Foruym or on the AHSA web site about someone in Boston who can help.  EWH

[trevolor]

seriously? she said that the test confirmed the initial test(herpSelect) and I gathered that she was reluctant to give me such a high number she just said that "positve is positive" until I pressed her on it and she said it was "5.0"
I don't really want to go back to this office-- can you recommend someone in Boston that can help me? I am sure that this was a Western Blot test.--all that I can gather at this point is that I am positive for Herpes but have alway been asymptomatic--?? low viral stain?? (or whattever the hell that term is?")
I will call back and confirm what test it was--I had to go to a hospital just for the test and it was confirmed at several junctures that it was a Western Blot test.arghhhhhhhh.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry, Western blot assays from the University of Washington are not reported out as 5.0.  I do not know what test you had but it was not the test I suggested.  If this test was ordered by a doctor specializing in HSV infections, you should discuss it with him/her. I will be interested to hear what you learn about which test was used.  EWH

[trevolor]

the western blot came back positive: 5.0!!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I understand how disconcerting it can be to have a laboratory test suddenly tell you that you may have HSV.  We get many such questions of this sort. Let me try to help.  

FYI, the HerpeSelect is an IgG test so it is possible that this is what you have been tested with.  For starters, you need to find out from your doctor the name of the test you received.  It will help to interpret your results.

As you appear to have read in other posts on our site, when persons have positive HerpeSelect tests yielding numerical results of less than 3.0 or 3.5, there is a high probability that the test is falsely positive.  Your value of 1.0 is the lowest possible positive result with the HerpeSelect.  At this level, over 80% of "positive" results cannot be confirmed with 2nd, unrelated tests such as the BioKit or the Western Blot performed at the University of Washington.  My advice is to request a test of this sort when you see the doctor you mention, there is at least an 8 out of 10 chance that it will show that you do not have HSV-2.  Until then, as hard as it is, try not to worry.  There is nothing more you can do at this time about the result and it is probably incorrect.  If it is not, and not meaning to sound overly casual about this, it is by no means the end of the world.  Remember 1 in 5 persons you know have HSV-2 and most of them do not know it.  

Hope this is helpful to you.  EWH