Blood test

[Hopeful3938]

I need some info about the blood tests. What do the different levels mean?  Boyfriend and I have been together years, this is my first ob. I want to test to see if I have hsv 1 or 2 or both. And he is going as well to see if he is infected and what types. What would mean he might have to restest and what time frame?  i tested positive on the swab but the test didnt say 1 or 2. I find it unlikely he is not infected since we have had years of unprotected sex. If we both have both types, do we need to be careful at all, besides not having contact during ob of course. If we have hsv1 do we need to worry about getting hsv2 orally?

[Hopeful3938]

Ok thank you. I know I have it. Just want more detail and now need to get boyfriend tested

[Life360_Dave]

If you concerned you have herpes take the Western Blot. Most levels that are positive stop at 5 and numbers at around 2 could be considered a false positive. This is based on those using this value range. Some use other number but the same rules apply.

[Hopeful3938]

Thank you!  Any idea of some good sources to research blood testing and levels?  My dr is really no help at all. I go to a clinic and they give little help or info. They didn't even tell me to wash carefully bc blisters are so contagious!

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, hsv1 can be oral and genital and hsv2 can be oral and genital. Having hsv in either area would help prevent contracting in another area but not completey. Hsv2 oral is not common and having hsv1 oral would help prevent contracting it so the risk would be quite low.