Please help with test results...

[diagnostichelpplease]

Good afternoon. In advance, I wanted everyone to know how much I appreciate their help.

Here's my situation. I am currently dating someone who asked me to be screened for all STD's. I was more than happy to do so, as I've been symptom-free my entire life. I had one brief episode of unprotected sex 13 years ago, none since, and have been sexually inactive now for almost 3 months, with the last episode in February consisting of protected oral sex. My results came back yesterday. All were negative except for the following...

HSV 1 IGG HERPESELECT AB = 0.30
HSV 2 IGG HERPESELECT AB = 1.11

As you can see, my HSV 2 test was at the limit of the equivocal range. My doctor told me that, due to my history, this should be read as a negative test. I have no reason not to trust my doctor, as he's widely recognized as one of the top minds on infectious disease in the country. He didn't even want to re-test me considering my history.  

The girl is going to end things with me, as to her, the numbers are the numbers, and doctor's interpretation is meaningless. I'm going to be re-tested at the end of next week (doctor said to wait just in case there's something in my blood that threw off the test), though I'm not holding out any hope that the test results will be any different. In my opinion, to do so would be foolish optimism driven by my feelings for this woman.

I'm seeking the group's opinion on this situation in hopes that it can help me make sense of a situation that has instantly turned my life, which was going extremely well, totally upside down.

Thanks for your consideration.

[Emma_08]

You could always re-test with a different test, such as Biokit or Western Blot (the "gold standard").  I know that low false-positives often occur when the HSV-1 result is also positive.  I am not a doctor, but since you haven't had any known symptoms and you are equivocal, I would definitely retest, you might not have herpes at all.

Just to let you know, it is your girlfriend's loss if she is going to end things with you since she believes you have genital herpes.  While HSV-2 is not desirable, it is very common, and by far not the worst thing in the world.  I believe that if you really care about somebody and are planning a meaningful relationship, herpes should not be a deal-breaking factor.

Best of luck,
Em

[diagnostichelpplease]

Emma,

I don't even know you, but thank you for the kind words of encouragement from both a relationship and medical point of view. I've been going through my own living hell for the last 36 hours, and any kind words mean a lot.

P.S. It doesn't look like she's going to see past the number on the test.

[Emma_08]

I know how you feel, but I promise it will get better.  I doubt you have herpes, but even if you do, things won't be as bad as you might think.  Also, maybe you could have your girlfriend talk to your doc about testing and herpes, since she seems so concerned.  I think a lot of people are misinformed about herpes, and the more she knows (that for most people, it's a very manageable nuisance), the less willing she will be to end the relationship because of this.  Good luck with everything - if you want to talk after you get your second test results, send me a message!
Emma

[diagnostichelpplease]

Thanks again Emma!

[auntiejessi]

A lot of experts feel that the cut off for hsv2 is too low, and I would definitely retest.

I would also look at this as a blessing in disguise with your friend.  If she is that reactive to something that might not even be true, and won't stick with you with something as common as herpes, you are better off without her.

AJ

[diagnostichelpplease]

Thanks auntijessi! I am planning to re-test next Thursday, which will be 2 weeks and 2 days after my original test, probably followed by another test in 3 months or so. Is the test I'm preparing to get done next Thursday too soon?

Thanks again!

[diagnostichelpplease]

Also, would you recommend using the same test (HERPESELECT) or getting another type?

Thanks again!

[diagnostichelpplease]

Sorry, one last question. Could smallpox or something like that influence the results of this test?

Once more - thanks again!

[auntiejessi]

No, no other infections would cause this.  Its just a glitch in the test, or too low of a cut off.

I would start with another herpeselect.  If that provides the same result, you can try another test.

Aj

[diagnostichelpplease]

Thanks again auntiejessi. I have another HERPESELECT scheduled for next Thursday (2 weeks and 2 days after the original) and will go from there.

Have a good night!

[diagnostichelpplease]

I just wanted to thank you guys for your support!

I just heard back from the hospital group on my retest and the original test was indeed a false positive. I was so shocked that I didn't even ask for the levels but had the doctor repeat it to me 5 times. I know the doctor can't lie about the results, so I'm extremely relieved, even though I had reconciled myself to being positive. I'll go over there tomorrow just to have the proof on paper.

Thank you Emma_08 and auntiejessi for your support!

[diagnostichelpplease]

See above

[auntiejessi]

Congrats!!

[diagnostichelpplease]

Auntiejessi...

My results:

HSV, IgM I/II Combination = <0.91 (Negative)
Herpes Simplex Virus I/II, IgG = <0.9 (Negative)

I did some research and now understand the lack of specificity in the results. The hospital chose to do this the long way, which means they order combination serology tests. Should either number show up out of the range, they then proceed with a specific test to determine which antibodies are present. It's no less accurate, but a second step would be needed to determine specificity if my results were positive or equivocal, which they weren't. Many doctors just go right to the specific test to save the patient money, stress and a second step, but neither is wrong. I was originally confused when I got the results.

Thanks again!

[auntiejessi]

It is frustrating, but nonetheless, you are negative.  :)

Aj