Need Help Understanding Lab Results - HSV Serology?

[ceedubs88]

Serology Blood Work:

Herpes Simplex Virus IgG EIA......Non-Reactive.

Herpes Simplex Virus Interpretation.......No Herpes Simplex Virus IgG antibodies detected.

Serology tested completed after atleast 3-4 months from last possible any contact of virus. Unprotected sex with partner that tested positive from viral culture.
I had a negative viral HSV isolated, this swab the MD did want to even do, he diagnosed folliculitis....

Are these definitive results?????
I need to know, everything i read says that there is such a grey area......I need an answer
Please what does all this mean?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Pleased to help. EWH

[ceedubs88]

Thank you for your time Dr.Hook, it is much appreciated....

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks for the detail. In this context you can be sure that you did not get HSV from your former partner.  As you point out, a negative test of the sort you had rules out all types of HSV.  Take care. EWH

[ceedubs88]

now the serology test that i had was 3-4 months after possible contact.... serology test taken was not specific to HSV1/HSV2 however if its negative doesnt that mean that i neither HSV1 or 2.

[ceedubs88]

I was in a relationship for several months. During this time my partner and i were having unprotected sex for the duration of the relationship. I had noticed a single lesion on her inner thigh and she had a culture taken with a HSV2 positive result. Once i noticed this lesion all sexual contact ceased. Knowing that i must have been infected due to contact and knowing that lesions do not have to be present. I waited three weeks to see my MD. No symptoms, ie pain/tingle/lesions at that time. The MD wouldnt even test said i would have been noticing symptoms..... Relationship ended...
No sexual contact at all for 3-4 months, i started seeing another woman and i was upfront with her about me possible contact with the virus. This is when i had the another visit to another MD. I had noticed few random sores and within 2 days had both culture and serology done...... he dx the lesions as folliculitis

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You say nothing about the circumstances that lead to testing so it is difficult to put your question into context and for interpreting HSV tests, context is important. If you had a lesion that was worrisome and the swab test was negative, it is unlikely that it was being caused by HSV, particularly if the test was taken soon after the lesion which was tested appeared and as long as there were no medications being taken/applied prior to taking the tests.

The blood test results indicate that you did not have antibodies to HSV at the time the blood was taken.  Unfortunately, if you were being evaluated for a recently appearing lesion, antibodies might not be positive but, with a negative swab taken at the same time, as I said above, HSV would be unlikely.  

Hope this helps.  If you wish to provide some context perhaps I can be a bit more help. EWH.