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False Positive/Negative HSV-2 Test
On 11/13/09, I submitted a blood sample to my family doctor's office for the purposes of general STD testing and as part of a new relationship. I've never had a known symptom of any kind nor have I been with someone, to my knowledge, that had an STD.
Much to my surprise, on 11/20, my doctor's office reported that the test came back positive for HSV-2 IgG with a value of 2.13 and negative for HSV-1 IgG with a value of <0.91. I don't know exactly what kind of HSV test was performed but the word "(Select)" was written next to the results so I assume the Herpes Select test was used.
On 11/21, I submitted to another blood test via my local planned parenthood office. The test results for this test were reported to me one week later as negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The actual values reported were HSV-1 IGG type specific AB < 0.90 and HSV-2 IGG type specific AB < 0.90. I do not know what type of test was performed other than that it was an IGG. I plan to call the PPH office tomorrow and see what I can find out but I worry that no one will be able to help. There seems to be an abundance of mis-information and lack of informed doctors, nurses, and medical personnel. I've already called the lab and they were not very helpful.
My questions are:
1. Which test should I believe or which one is more likely to be right/wrong?
2. Are false positives more likely to occur than false negatives or vice-versa?
3. Should I submit yet another blood sample and have a Western Blot type test performed?
I have located a doctor that can send my blood to Univ of Washington but I won't get my results back for 7 - 14 days. Frankly, I'm tired of getting tested and the rollercoaster of emotions that goes with it.
If the testing isn't reliable, as one of these tests has to be wrong, why in the world should people without symptoms get tested?? I feel like I'm being punished for being responsible here.
Thank you for your help.
Much to my surprise, on 11/20, my doctor's office reported that the test came back positive for HSV-2 IgG with a value of 2.13 and negative for HSV-1 IgG with a value of <0.91. I don't know exactly what kind of HSV test was performed but the word "(Select)" was written next to the results so I assume the Herpes Select test was used.
On 11/21, I submitted to another blood test via my local planned parenthood office. The test results for this test were reported to me one week later as negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The actual values reported were HSV-1 IGG type specific AB < 0.90 and HSV-2 IGG type specific AB < 0.90. I do not know what type of test was performed other than that it was an IGG. I plan to call the PPH office tomorrow and see what I can find out but I worry that no one will be able to help. There seems to be an abundance of mis-information and lack of informed doctors, nurses, and medical personnel. I've already called the lab and they were not very helpful.
My questions are:
1. Which test should I believe or which one is more likely to be right/wrong?
2. Are false positives more likely to occur than false negatives or vice-versa?
3. Should I submit yet another blood sample and have a Western Blot type test performed?
I have located a doctor that can send my blood to Univ of Washington but I won't get my results back for 7 - 14 days. Frankly, I'm tired of getting tested and the rollercoaster of emotions that goes with it.
If the testing isn't reliable, as one of these tests has to be wrong, why in the world should people without symptoms get tested?? I feel like I'm being punished for being responsible here.
Thank you for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
By chance, you ask almost the identical question as the one immediately before yours. Take a look at that thread. Also see this other thread from a year ago, which explains the situation you face in detail:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/IGG-Test-Result-Confusion/show/593272
1) When two results for HSV-2 show definite negative plus a weakly positive result (ELISA ratio under 3.5), the negative result is almost always the reliable one.
2) False negatives are common in the first few weeks after catching HSV-2. After that they are rare, and false positives are more common. If you had started with the negative result then had a (weakly) positive one, it might mean you had recently acquired the infection. But with the postive result first then negative, the only explanation is that the initial result was falsely positive.
3) I see no need for more testing. However, this might be a good idea if the suspicion for HSV-2 is particularly strong. For example, if you have had outbreaks that suggest genital herpes, or repeated sex with a known HSV-2-positive partner, repeat testing would be good just to be absolutely certain. But without those indicators, you can be very certain you don't have it.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/IGG-Test-Result-Confusion/show/593272
1) When two results for HSV-2 show definite negative plus a weakly positive result (ELISA ratio under 3.5), the negative result is almost always the reliable one.
2) False negatives are common in the first few weeks after catching HSV-2. After that they are rare, and false positives are more common. If you had started with the negative result then had a (weakly) positive one, it might mean you had recently acquired the infection. But with the postive result first then negative, the only explanation is that the initial result was falsely positive.
3) I see no need for more testing. However, this might be a good idea if the suspicion for HSV-2 is particularly strong. For example, if you have had outbreaks that suggest genital herpes, or repeated sex with a known HSV-2-positive partner, repeat testing would be good just to be absolutely certain. But without those indicators, you can be very certain you don't have it.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It's just the one immediately before yours, i.e. just below: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/False-Positive-HSV-2-IgG/show/1121375
Thanks Doc. Could you provide a link to the thread/question before mine that is nearly identical? I don't know how to find it otherwise. Thanks so much again.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
