Testing Result Number

[Sunnyday1]

Hi.  I was hoping someone could explain the numbers in my test results.  For HSV 2 TgG, Type Spec it says H 2.65.  I know anything over 1.09 is a positive result, but just how positive is this?  I didn't even know I had this-but then remembered a spot that came back three or four times several years ago, that was located on my lower back.  It was blistery, so my dr. assumed this is where the positive result is coming from.  It hasn't occured in at least 8 or 9 years.  What is the range of positive scores-is mine a high or low and does it mean anything?  Thanks so much for any help.

[auntiejessi]

Yours is a low positive, and I would retest, especially if you have hsv1.  There tends to be a higher false positive rate with those who have hsv1 previously and get lower positive hsv2 results.

AJ

[Sunnyday1]

Thanks so much for your help.  I actually tested <.90 for hsv1, so I don't know where that could from.  I've never had any other outbreaks or related problems.  I don't think it is a false positive, since I remember these spots coming back from time to time.  Unless it was zoster, could it show up that way?

[gracefromHHP]

Yes indeed that is a common presentation area for herpes ( the lower back ).  

grace

[Sunnyday1]

Thanks so much for your comment-can you offer any information on my test score?  I've not had this show up for at least 8 years and has only now come to light in that I'm beginning a new relationship and wanted to be completely checked out before doing so.  So, now I'm thrown into all this research on a diagnosis that hasn't ever really been a problem to me.  What are the chances of me passing this to my partner?  I guess he could get it from my back if I have another outbreak-I consider myself lucky in that it's never been an issue-until now.  Thanks again, I really appreciate any guidance.

[gracefromHHP]

Actually you aren't shedding the virus from your back unless you have an obvious lesion there.  In between obvious lesions you are shedding the virus from the anogenital area.  If you haven't already - be sure to read the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com for more info on how to reduce the chances of transmitting it to your partner. Has your partner been tested?

Your hsv2 igg is on the low side so since you haven't been formally diagnosed with herpes it's a good idea to confirm it. You can get a herpes WB blood test done or a hsv2 biokit blood test done to confirm it.

grace

[Sunnyday1]

Hi Grace.  I thought I could only shed from a lesion site, that's not the case?  I'd read something about the 10 year mark and it has been ten years since I've had an outbreak, with my number so low (2.65)-I really feel like this isn't an issue.  I've only been diagnosed recently as a result of starting a new relationship and wanted to get everything tested first.  My potential partner has been tested and is negative for both types, and is concerned about his chances of getting it from me.  Can you give me any statistical odds?  Thanks so much for all your help and advice.
S.

[gracefromHHP]

did you read the handbook I recommended?  

10 years of infection has absolutely nothing to do with how likely you are to infect someone or not.  The 10 year mark we often refer to on here is that we have studies that looked at shedding rates for folks infected from 1-10 years and they are all shedding the virus about the same amount. We are still waiting for the study done on folks infected >10 years to get published. to compare them.  

The skin on the buttocks/lower back is too thick for the virus to penetrate in between obvious lesions. You won't be shedding from that area unless you have an ob. You do however shed periodically from the anogenital area.

the numeric result of your blood test being low says absolutely nothing about your contagiousness either. It's just a numeric value. Since you've never had a lesion culture to confirm hsv2 as the cause of your prior symptoms - we recommend confirming your hsv2 status with additional testing just to err on the side of caution.  Otherwise just assume you have hsv2 and discuss with your partner what precautions you want to take with sex.

feel free to ask any other questions you have - after you've read the handbook to get the general info :)

grace