igg vs igm

Does anyone know the differences in these two herpes blood test? I had an igm test after exposure and it came back negative (I had the igm test 3 or 4 months after possible exposure).

Is the IGM not as good in this situation?

[md1733]

I'm not an expert by any means, so you might want to post your question to Grace or others...

From what I have read, IGM tests do not give reliable results. You should have IGG tests for both HSV 1 and 2. I believe the tests are reliable at 12+ weeks, so if you have not had any recent sexual encounters, you should be able to test at any time...

[scared83]

Thanks for the response md. I'm reading conflicting reports. Some resources say that IGM is reliable only when you're testing for herpes in general (rather than specific--hsv1 or hsv2). Others say IGM is only good for new infections and dont test old infections and finally the third says that igm is not good at all because it produces too many false positives (mine came out negative).

Any suggestions?

[ali-jay]

IgM antibodies are a physical law unto themselves. If a person does develop these antibodies, they will only be detectable for a short time following exposure. An IgM test after 3 or 4 months exposure would be pretty meaningless.

IgG blood tests are more reliable, but there may still be false positive, as well as false negative results. If you're not having symptoms, then why worry about it?

[gracefromHHP]

If you search thru HHH's old posts you'll find hundreds of references to why the igm isn't to be used to diagnose herpes in otherwise healthy adults.  Your doctor wasted your time and money with an igm test.

If you need the peace of mind then follow up with a type specific herpes igg blood test.

grace

[vegavv]

I tested negative for HSV-1 and 2 on the igg test, but positive on igm. Its been a month since possible exposure to herpes,should I disregard the igm

[Aelly]

Sometimes IGM tests pick up early infections such as a relative of the herpes simplex family: Chickenpox. I dont know how but it does and IGM tests are not reliable but IGG tests are.

[XinPerspective]

I had an igm test that came out positive after a possible infection months ago and the doc told me it means that I had a recent infection and to get retested after 2-3 months.

Well, 2 months later I got retested and everything was negative. So I guess the igm can indeed produce false positives. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just wait the 3 months to get the igg blood test and ignore your igm results. Otherwise you'd drive yourself crazy with stress (like i did)

[loveme4whoIam]

I was tested for hsv 1 and 2 and my igg was neg but my igm was positive??? the doc said i had hsv 1 bc of the igm, however i talked to another doc. and he said that the igg is what they use to confirm an hsv 1 or 2 infection. I was told to retest in a few months to confirm either way. And that it is likely i dt have hsv all together This stuff is so streessssful!!!!!

[gracefromHHP]

you need to post on the herpes forum with herpes questions - thanks!