My final update (possibly) since I retook the Western Blot or the paired test. It came out indeterminate again for HSV2 and negative for HSV1. I can understand why testing is not recommended now. It's since there are no guarantee tests out now. I am unfortunately one of those people who will stay indeterminate forever until a better test comes out. I feel frustated since if I decide to get tested after having a partner, there is no way for me to know if I have herpes or not. Unless I have symptoms or feel like paying another $700 ish. I might try the biokit, I might not. It's also expensive as hell for possibly another indeterminate.
For anyone confused or with questions or another indeterminate, feel free to reach out. I may pop in here and there.
Hsv is very tricky. When I was exposed, I tested positive through my OB and western blot. I tested negative twice through pcr on my private area. I didnt have my first outbreak until oct and I was exposed in June. My symptoms were similar of that I would read on here but also different enough that I still had hope that my result was wrong until I had what I'm sure was my outbreak, I didnt get that swabbed but had been taking valtrex and once I stopped was when it came full force. Please keep us posted.
My Western Blot results were HSV1 negative and HSV2 indeterminate. After seeing the results myself, I realized that this test is not FDA approved, although CDC recommends it as confirmatory testing. [1]
As a medical professional myself, I feel silly for not remembering to check if it was FDA approved, although that doesn't necessarily mean it should never be used. It just wasn't tested through an approval process.
I plan to get the paired testing (a second WB) and see how this turns out. If it's indeterminate again, I plan to find a biokit.
Tips for Confirmatory Testing:
I recommend the biokit. It is FDA approved and CDC also recommends it for confirmatory testing. Heck it's also cheaper and less time to obtain results. [1 , 2]
Wait AT LEAST 4 months before testing with the WB the first time. It MIGHT save you money and time waiting to take the 2nd test. (2nd test costs around ~$100)
Trust yourself and as hard as it may sound, concentrate on bettering yourself/your life as you wait those 4 months. Researching to figure out your next move is one thing, excessively researching to ease your anxiety will make you more anxious down the road.
Finally, take EVERYTHING you hear with a grain of salt, even mine.
1.https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/qa/herpes-qa.htm
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scrIpts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRL/rl.cfm?start_search=1&showList=1&establishmentName=®Num=&StateName=&CountryName=&OwnerOperatorNumber=8030752&OwnerOperatorName=&ProductCode=&DeviceName=&ProprietaryName=&establishmentType=&PAGENUM=10&SortColumn=EstablishmentName20%25ASC&RegistrationNumber=
An update, currently I'm hoping the lab sent my kit (plan to call UWash tomorrow) and I'll just have to play the waiting game.
For my first kit, my gynecologist office threw out the box and icepack, didn't realize until the day I came in that their lab couldn't do this kit, did not read the packet or help with finding a lab. Ultimately we had to re-order a kit and I found a lab willing to draw my blood and send it out. Manchester Blood Draw Lab ECHN in CT can do this, for anyone in or near CT. I should've asked what shipping company they use before buying a preprinted label, but I used USPS. It came up to about $40.
What really worries me is if this Western Blot from UWash is actually legit. No one has heard of it and the blood draw lab was surprised it didn't come with a pre-printed label already. Also, sometimes when I'd call the UWash number about the Western blot, a message would play saying they're closed. And I would call during business hours. Mind you, I'd call around 9 AM so I know it's also not a lunch break. If CDC didn't mention the Western Blot from UWash, I wouldn't believe them.
I'll be sure to let any skeptics know if I got scammed or not, assuming they see this. Let's pray my box was shipped for tomorrow.
IF YOU ORDER THIS, KNOW WHAT TO TELL EVERY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. FOR THEY MAY NOT CARE TO READ THE PACKET.
An update, currently I'm hoping the lab sent my kit (plan to call UWash tomorrow) and I'll just have to play the waiting game.
For my first kit, my gynecologist office threw out the box and icepack, didn't realize until the day I came in that their lab couldn't do this kit, did not read the packet or help with finding a lab. Ultimately we had to re-order a kit and I found a lab willing to draw my blood and send it out. Manchester Blood Draw Lab ECHN in CT can do this, for anyone in or near CT. I should've asked what shipping company they use before buying a preprinted label, but I used USPS. It came up to about $40.
What really worries me is if this Western Blot from UWash is actually legit. No one has heard of it and the blood draw lab was surprised it didn't come with a pre-printed label already. Also, sometimes when I'd call the UWash number about the Western blot, a message would play saying they're closed. And I would call during business hours. Mind you, I'd call around 9 AM so I know it's also not a lunch break. If CDC didn't mention the Western Blot from UWash, I wouldn't believe them.
I'll be sure to let any skeptics know if I got scammed or not, assuming they see this. Let's pray my box was shipped for tomorrow.
IF YOU ORDER THIS, KNOW WHAT TO TELL EVERY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. FOR THEY MAY NOT CARE TO READ THE PACKET.
I took a final IgG blood test today in hopes it may have come out negative and save me $226 from the blot. I received a 3.4 for HSV2 IgG and plan to get the Western Blot next Monday. Monday marks my 12 week post exposure.
I still have not shown any hallmark symptoms of herpes and am more hopeful.
I am still open to any ideas or comments!
That is a head scratcher, but it is possible your one of the unlucky ones that has oral hsv2
Good luck! Let us know how it goes. If you’ve only had one sexual partner in your entire life, and they’ve only had you as a sexual partner in their life, it’s more than likely a false positive. Best of everything
Alright. I plan to update this forum incase it may help others.
8/22 My gynecologist's office contacted UWashington for the Western blot. They plan to draw and ship my blood in their office. I'm told to bring a check of $226.85 to send off with my blood to UWash. The kit should come in the next 3-5 days.
Unsure if it will be covered on my insurance (BlueCross BlueShield, Silver Plan). Apparently the test is not applied to your insurance, but you have to see if your insurance will cover after paying. The test also has to be a medical necessity. Mine says they'd cover 70% out of state and non network.
For anyone who wants to see if insurance covers this test, I was given CPT codes and a diagnosis code to see if my insurance would cover it. It didn't help me tho.
CPT codes: 86695 or 86696
Diagnosis code: B00.9
Just to be clear, I had a positive IgG blood test (4.0) 1 month AFTER genital contact with my first and monogamous partner.