boyfriend tested for HSV IGM=.54 confused!

[prospectmom]

My boyfriend of four months was recently tested for HSV and various other STD's at my request.  We have not yet had sexual intercourse (I am female).  His HSV 1/2 IGM result on 3-12-09 was .54, which his doctor says is "negative."

However, my boyfriend stated that has had "cold sores" on his lip occasionally, but no type of sores on his genitals at any time.   His last unprotected sexual contact was November of 2008.

Question: Has my boyfriend been exposed to HSV or not?  Does he need to go back and have an IGG test for a conclusive results?   I have never had so much as a cold sore, or any type of STD, so I am worried I could get HSV from my boyfriend via oral sex or sexual intercourse.  Is this a valid concern for me?  

[auntiejessi]

His IGM is a **** test.  Its totally unreliable, and he shouldn't have even had it done.  He needs to have a type specific IgG test done.

You also need to test.  Just because you haven't had a cold sore doesn't mean that you don't have hsv1.  Only about 20-40% of those who have hsv1 orally will ever have symptoms.

If you don't have it, sure, its a concern, but if you limit yourself to only those without hsv1, your dating pool is going to be pretty limited.  Well over half the population has it - your parents probably do, your grandparents almost certainly do.

AJ

[prospectmom]

Hi AJ,

Thanks, that's what I thought.  So, he needs a HSV 1 IgG test AND an HSV 2 IgG test, correct?  NOT a combined IgG HSV 1/2 test, right?  HSV 1 and HSV 2 need to be separated out with two different IgG tests....right?

Thanks so much for the help.

[auntiejessi]

Yes, exactly.  You should get the same test, too.

Aj