accuracy of test results

[d78tweety]

How accurate are test results for a HSV lgG bloodtest if taken two weeks after possible exposure. Is two weeks too soon to test?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Testing that early doesn't make much sense.  Once in a while the test will be positive 2-3 weeks after a new infection, but it takes up to 3 months.  However, being tested twice sometimes makes sense if a new HSV infection is suspected:  If negative early and positive later, it narrows down the time of infection. If you wait and only have a single test at 3 months, you won't know whether you were infected recently or sometime in the distant past.  (Unless you have had previous HSV blood tests that you know were negative.)

Use the search link to find many discussions on 'herpes diagnosis' and 'HerpeSelect test'.

HHH, MD

[W87H]

Re: time to seroconversion, absent any symptoms (especially if one is looking out for even minor symptoms), would a negative Herpeselect test at, say, 6 weeks provide any statistical reassurance against having been infected?  I am contemplating ending a relationship with my HSV-2 girlfriend and am wondering if I should feel ethically obligated to future "dates" to wait 3 months before testing and before having sex with anyone else.  She takes valtrex daily and we always use condoms - and I am careful to check myself for any symptoms (nothing so far...roughly 14 months).  I was tested at the start of our relationship and again 6 months after.  Both negative for both HSV 1 and 2 via Herpeselect.

I hope this isn't considered a thread jump and, if so, I apologize.

Thanks.

[stillHurting]

Short answer, yes 6 weeks negative is a good sign, but far from definitive.  Less than 30% chance for HSV2 and <40% chance for HSV1.

HerpesSelect seroconversion chart:
http://www.myracoon.net/pdfs/Time_to_Seroconversion.pdf

The Dr here will probably disagree, but I would test at 6-8 weeks and then at >16 weeks.  The 6 week test will be mostly accurate and the >16 week better than the typical 12 week, especially for HSV1 (which takes longer to show up). Obviously this costs more money/time but the first test would lower your anxiety somewhat and the second would be more definitive.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Sorry, it is a thread jump.  Take any further discussion over the the STD support forum.