herpes test results

[andy950]

i have just received the following results for a type specific blood test. The test was done 17 weeks after possible exposure.

HSV1 (IgG)   Negative  0.574
HSV2 (IgG)   Negative 0.235

Should I re-test after another couple of months or can I take this as a (reasonably) conclusive result?  Some people tell me that a conclusive result would only be after as long as a year.

This is a follow-up question to my earlier enquiry, after which I took the blood test. I hope it will be my last.

Many thanks for your help

[andy950]

Thanks for this

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You could have saved $15 by posting this as a comment in the other thread.

Can it take a year for HSV results to become positive?  Yes, but it is very rare.  Considering the rock-solid evidence you didn't have herpes, as we discussed in the other thread, this result is 100% conclusive proof of the same conclusion.  You definitely don't need any further testing.  Accept the good news that you are not infected with HSV of either type and move on.

Let's not have any ongoing discussion either here or in the other thread.

HHH, MD