Aa
False Positive?
I had my annual physical this week and asked to be STD tested. I knew that the regular test did not include HSV and asked for it to be included. I did not know it’s not recommended to test if you don’t have symptoms, although I have mixed feelings about that since you can be positive with no symptoms.
Tested on 6/26 and HSV2 came back positive with an index of 1.3. I did a repeat test on 6/28 and it came back 1.33. HSV1 was negative on both.
I have never had an outbreak to my knowledge. I’m married but separated from my husband. Have not had sex since end of July 2022 and have not had sex with anyone other than him since July 2009.
I’ve done my research and understand that this diagnosis is manageable and not necessarily the end of the world, especially if I continue to be asymptomatic.
I guess I’m wondering if it’s worth it to shell out the money for a Western Blot test to get a definitive answer since both tests are in the false positive range.
Tested on 6/26 and HSV2 came back positive with an index of 1.3. I did a repeat test on 6/28 and it came back 1.33. HSV1 was negative on both.
I have never had an outbreak to my knowledge. I’m married but separated from my husband. Have not had sex since end of July 2022 and have not had sex with anyone other than him since July 2009.
I’ve done my research and understand that this diagnosis is manageable and not necessarily the end of the world, especially if I continue to be asymptomatic.
I guess I’m wondering if it’s worth it to shell out the money for a Western Blot test to get a definitive answer since both tests are in the false positive range.
Was this an Igg test that you took? Personally, I'd confirm with a Western Blot. I mean, maybe you had a sore once and didn't know but that's pretty unusual. It is definitely manageable and many have no issues with it. In relationships, have kids, etc. But I'd really want a further understanding with a confirmation test. The Western Blot test is over 99 percent accurate. There would be no question at that point and false positives otherwise DO happen. The CDC recommends that anyone who tests positive on an IgG based test with an index value that falls between a 1.1 and 3.0 should get confirmatory testing (experts say the Western Blot is the best confirmatory test). Research shows that there can even be false positives above this range in some people.
32 Comments
Yes, it was an IGG.
I'd do the confirmatory test. I think it would be worth it.
Ok, thanks. I did speak to my husband about this yesterday (we’re still living together although separated and no longer having sex with each other) and he said he has been STD tested and will check to see if it included HSV (probably not) and if it didn’t get tested. Would it be worth it to wait for him to be tested, assuming he hasn’t been, and seeing whether he is positive and what his IGG level is first? If his IGG is also in the false positive range, would it be likely we both got false positives? If he has a higher IGG, would that make my low numbers more likely to be positive, just low?
I know that’s a lot of questions. Thank you!
I know that’s a lot of questions. Thank you!
I'd get your own confirmatory test. It would be a good indicator to see his results to apply to your situation. But they cost around 125 bucks in my area. Worth it to just KNOW your own situation.
That's the WB test when I mention the cost. Cheap in the big scheme of life and something important to be properly diagnosed with if it is indeed positive.
Ok, thanks. You must be on the West Coast. I’m on the East Coast and have read that it could cost nearly $500 to get a WB test between the lab and shipping fees. Despite the cost I am considering getting it so I can have a more definitive answer.
I'm in the Mid West. But yes, testing can vary in cost depending on where you live. Sometimes insurance will cover the test or have you tried a university hospital in your area? (sometimes cheaper). I do think it's worth it. That's my opinion but I'd want to know for sure.
I thought the University of Washington was the only place in the US where you could get a WB test done.
You may be right on that. I was trying to look at East Coast and that came up. Didn't know if that is unique to it--- wouldn't have guessed that but you could be right on that.
Your doctor can order the test, so you can get it anywhere you live in the US. The Univ of Washington is the only lab that performs the test, but any doctor can order it.
You can also go through Terri Warren at https://westoverheights.com/getting-a-herpes-western-blot/
A 1.33 has at least an 85-90% chance of being a false positive.
You can also go through Terri Warren at https://westoverheights.com/getting-a-herpes-western-blot/
A 1.33 has at least an 85-90% chance of being a false positive.
I just read in another thread that you are in NYC. There are limits in NY about getting the WB done, but you can go to NJ or another neighboring state, I believe.
Terri works with some labs where you can get your blood drawn.
Terri works with some labs where you can get your blood drawn.
Ok, thanks. I am most likely going to get the WB through Terri. I ordered the WB kit and the person I spoke to at UW did say I could go to NJ, but I don’t know a Dr. in NJ who could sign off on it. Not sure if I went to urgent care if a doctor there would.
They probably wouldn't. I'd go through Terri, if for nothing else, the ease of it all.
Keep me posted. :)
Keep me posted. :)
Hi auntiejessie.
I did the Western Blot through Terri. HSV2 was negative. HSV1 was positive. The 2 IGG tests missed it, I had false negatives.
I’m completely thrown for a loop with finding out I’m HSV1 positive. I have never had a cold sore before that I’m aware of. Also have not had a genital outbreak to my knowledge, so don’t know whether it’s oral or genital.
I’m pretty upset, but trying not to be since it’s so common. But it does change my future dating and having to disclose.
I just wanted to provide an update since you were so kind to respond to my previous posts.
I did the Western Blot through Terri. HSV2 was negative. HSV1 was positive. The 2 IGG tests missed it, I had false negatives.
I’m completely thrown for a loop with finding out I’m HSV1 positive. I have never had a cold sore before that I’m aware of. Also have not had a genital outbreak to my knowledge, so don’t know whether it’s oral or genital.
I’m pretty upset, but trying not to be since it’s so common. But it does change my future dating and having to disclose.
I just wanted to provide an update since you were so kind to respond to my previous posts.
The hsv1 IgG misses 30% of infections - you are by far not the only one that got false negs on the IgG. I'm sorry that happened, though.
Statistically, especially since you've never had an outbreak, your infection is probably oral, but as you said, there's no way to know. Also, 90% of people who have it orally never get any symptoms.
The upside is that so many others have it, so when you disclose, chances are good that your partners will have it. 67% of people under 50 have hsv1 globally.
I always say that if someone scares off because of hsv1, they scare too easily. They also really, really limit their dating pool. I've had ghsv2 for 20 years. If someone doesn't want to date me because of it, that's okay. There are lots of reasons why someone might not want to date me. It just means that person isn't my person, ya know? It leaves me free to find my right person.
Thanks for the update, too. Not everyone comes back and updates, and it really does help others who read these posts. :)
Statistically, especially since you've never had an outbreak, your infection is probably oral, but as you said, there's no way to know. Also, 90% of people who have it orally never get any symptoms.
The upside is that so many others have it, so when you disclose, chances are good that your partners will have it. 67% of people under 50 have hsv1 globally.
I always say that if someone scares off because of hsv1, they scare too easily. They also really, really limit their dating pool. I've had ghsv2 for 20 years. If someone doesn't want to date me because of it, that's okay. There are lots of reasons why someone might not want to date me. It just means that person isn't my person, ya know? It leaves me free to find my right person.
Thanks for the update, too. Not everyone comes back and updates, and it really does help others who read these posts. :)
Thank you for replying and for using your experience to help strangers on the internet.
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that even just kissing someone could pass the virus to someone who doesn’t haven’t it, if I have OHSV1.
With never having had an outbreak, do you think transmission would be likely with no active cold sore?
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that even just kissing someone could pass the virus to someone who doesn’t haven’t it, if I have OHSV1.
With never having had an outbreak, do you think transmission would be likely with no active cold sore?
Unfortunately, we don't have transmission stats on oral hsv1. We know that some people shed more than others, but we know that from research studies, so unless you do long-term shedding studies, there's no way you'll know how much you shed.
We do know that you are far less likely to transmit without an active outbreak, and that when you do shed, you aren't shedding an entire day. When we say you shed X amount of days, you aren't shedding a full 24 hours.
How often you shed varies widely - you might shed once a month, or shed several days a month. Some people don't shed even once a month. There's just no way to know.
If it helps, you can take an antiviral to reduce shedding. Those haven't been studied for oral hsv1, either, but it's assumed they work similarly to hsv2. They are safe to take, but if you have established kidney disease, talk to your doctor.
Remember that you have a very, very common virus. You are not a walking, talking biohazard. Hang in there, okay? 3.7 billion people under 50 in the world have the same thing. You aren't alone.
We do know that you are far less likely to transmit without an active outbreak, and that when you do shed, you aren't shedding an entire day. When we say you shed X amount of days, you aren't shedding a full 24 hours.
How often you shed varies widely - you might shed once a month, or shed several days a month. Some people don't shed even once a month. There's just no way to know.
If it helps, you can take an antiviral to reduce shedding. Those haven't been studied for oral hsv1, either, but it's assumed they work similarly to hsv2. They are safe to take, but if you have established kidney disease, talk to your doctor.
Remember that you have a very, very common virus. You are not a walking, talking biohazard. Hang in there, okay? 3.7 billion people under 50 in the world have the same thing. You aren't alone.
Thank you for the information and the reassurance.
Terri said that she didn’t think I needed to be on daily suppression, but I am considering it. I do however have a liver disease so I would have to talk to my liver specialist about it and get her take.
Thank you again for your kind responses.
Terri said that she didn’t think I needed to be on daily suppression, but I am considering it. I do however have a liver disease so I would have to talk to my liver specialist about it and get her take.
Thank you again for your kind responses.
You don't need to be on it, no. It would be for peace of mind mostly.
Valtrex and acyclovir are minimally metabolized through the liver, but still, talk to your liver specialist. I can't tell you it's safe - your doctor can.
Just don't overthink it all, or freak. It's a really common virus. That's it - nothing more.
Valtrex and acyclovir are minimally metabolized through the liver, but still, talk to your liver specialist. I can't tell you it's safe - your doctor can.
Just don't overthink it all, or freak. It's a really common virus. That's it - nothing more.
Thank you!
Hi auntiejessi.
You’ve been so helpful and kind responding to my previous posts and I was wondering your thoughts on the following:
I (female, not sure if that was clear in my prior posts) am planning to have sex with someone for the first time since finding out I’m HSV1 positive. I have disclosed and as far as we know he is negative—says he has been tested before and it was negative, but of course it could have been a false negative, as that is what happened to me. He’s older than me and has been with a lot of other women, so it’s possible he has been infected and is asymptomatic himself.
Since I have never had an outbreak as far as I am aware and don’t know if it’s oral or genital, what are some best practices/tips to reduce the potential of transferring asymptomatically other than using condoms, which we plan to do? A complicating factor with this person is that he is in a non-monogamous relationship and has another partner and I worry about transmuting to him and him transmitting to her (though understand that’s always a risk when having multiple partners).
Also, I’ve been wondering if I should be doing anything for preventative measures instead of treatment since I don’t have any outbreaks (for now at least), especially if I’m disclosing and then having sex with anyone. I’m not taking any antivirals or supplements and haven’t made any changes to my diet and seem to be fine physically as I was before.
Thank you for all of your help!
You’ve been so helpful and kind responding to my previous posts and I was wondering your thoughts on the following:
I (female, not sure if that was clear in my prior posts) am planning to have sex with someone for the first time since finding out I’m HSV1 positive. I have disclosed and as far as we know he is negative—says he has been tested before and it was negative, but of course it could have been a false negative, as that is what happened to me. He’s older than me and has been with a lot of other women, so it’s possible he has been infected and is asymptomatic himself.
Since I have never had an outbreak as far as I am aware and don’t know if it’s oral or genital, what are some best practices/tips to reduce the potential of transferring asymptomatically other than using condoms, which we plan to do? A complicating factor with this person is that he is in a non-monogamous relationship and has another partner and I worry about transmuting to him and him transmitting to her (though understand that’s always a risk when having multiple partners).
Also, I’ve been wondering if I should be doing anything for preventative measures instead of treatment since I don’t have any outbreaks (for now at least), especially if I’m disclosing and then having sex with anyone. I’m not taking any antivirals or supplements and haven’t made any changes to my diet and seem to be fine physically as I was before.
Thank you for all of your help!
You've done exactly what you are supposed to do - you disclosed. Good for you.
You say that he's tested before and was negative - has he tested recently for STIs? People with herpes start to think that all that matters is herpes and kind of forget that there are other STIs out there.
I personally wouldn't spend a ton of money on supplements. None have been proven to do much of anything, and while some people have foods that trigger outbreaks, you aren't having outbreaks. You don't need to change your diet.
You can take an antiviral daily to help reduce shedding, but that's up to you.
You aren't responsible for this man's other relationship. I know you really don't want to transmit anything, and that's awesome, but he's responsible for that. How old are we talking? The older people are, the higher the chance they have hsv1.
If he's non-monogamous, hopefully he's practicing ethical non-monogamy, and also talking to his partners. Definitely make sure he gets tested for other things before having sex with him, though.
You say that he's tested before and was negative - has he tested recently for STIs? People with herpes start to think that all that matters is herpes and kind of forget that there are other STIs out there.
I personally wouldn't spend a ton of money on supplements. None have been proven to do much of anything, and while some people have foods that trigger outbreaks, you aren't having outbreaks. You don't need to change your diet.
You can take an antiviral daily to help reduce shedding, but that's up to you.
You aren't responsible for this man's other relationship. I know you really don't want to transmit anything, and that's awesome, but he's responsible for that. How old are we talking? The older people are, the higher the chance they have hsv1.
If he's non-monogamous, hopefully he's practicing ethical non-monogamy, and also talking to his partners. Definitely make sure he gets tested for other things before having sex with him, though.
He’s in his early 40s. It’s been a couple of years since he last tested. I did ask him to be tested, he’s working on getting that done. He has one other partner and says that she recently tested and was negative for everything, although I’m assuming HSV was not included.
Yeah, that's the thing about herpes - it's most often not included. You have to ask for it, sometimes get really insistent.
By the early 40s, especially if he's non-monogamous, he's probably seen and heard enough that hsv1 doesn't bother him at all.
Make sure you see his test results. Don't just take his word for it. :)
By the early 40s, especially if he's non-monogamous, he's probably seen and heard enough that hsv1 doesn't bother him at all.
Make sure you see his test results. Don't just take his word for it. :)
Yeah, he was pretty un-phased when I disclosed. He was mostly intrigued by how the 2 IGGs were negative and the WB was positive. He doesn’t seem bothered and said that me being positive doesn’t change anything.
I don’t know what he shares with his other partner and I know it’s not my responsibility whatever happens in their relationship and between them. But I still can’t help but worry.
I don’t know what he shares with his other partner and I know it’s not my responsibility whatever happens in their relationship and between them. But I still can’t help but worry.
He should be unphased. It's so, so common.
I know it's hard to not worry, but remember that you could have had this for years and years and you haven't transmitted it, right? So try to keep perspective about it. :)
I know it's hard to not worry, but remember that you could have had this for years and years and you haven't transmitted it, right? So try to keep perspective about it. :)
Sorry if this posted twice, I wasn’t logged in and not sure if it posted the first time I tried.
Hi auntiejessi, I hope you’re well!
I’m back to ask you another question.
Same partner as before. He tested since my last post and he was negative for everything, including herpes. Possible it was a false negative since the IgG can miss it (and that’s what happened to me, twice).
We saw each other in August, had protected sex and no issues afterwards.
We’re supposed to see each other again soon and I’m still paranoid about transmitting asymptomatically.
Since I don’t know location, I’ve taken me giving him oral sex off the table for now. And I know that if genital, it sheds infrequently and transmission female to male is less common, plus we still plan to use condoms. So my concern mostly surrounds kissing.
I was thinking about taking Valtrex leading up to seeing him. But since I’ve never had an outbreak, I’m concerned that starting it, taking it for a few days, then stopping and starting again when needed could cause issues. Essentially I don’t want to disrupt what my body has been doing on its own since I don’t get outbreaks.
Any advice or feedback on this?
Thank you!
Hi auntiejessi, I hope you’re well!
I’m back to ask you another question.
Same partner as before. He tested since my last post and he was negative for everything, including herpes. Possible it was a false negative since the IgG can miss it (and that’s what happened to me, twice).
We saw each other in August, had protected sex and no issues afterwards.
We’re supposed to see each other again soon and I’m still paranoid about transmitting asymptomatically.
Since I don’t know location, I’ve taken me giving him oral sex off the table for now. And I know that if genital, it sheds infrequently and transmission female to male is less common, plus we still plan to use condoms. So my concern mostly surrounds kissing.
I was thinking about taking Valtrex leading up to seeing him. But since I’ve never had an outbreak, I’m concerned that starting it, taking it for a few days, then stopping and starting again when needed could cause issues. Essentially I don’t want to disrupt what my body has been doing on its own since I don’t get outbreaks.
Any advice or feedback on this?
Thank you!
Honestly, I think you are worrying way too much about this.
If you want to take oral sex off the table, that's fine, but that's really all you need to do.
If this is a genital infection, the chances that you'd ever transmit this is close to zero. You have no symptoms, and the most recently you'd be infected is in July 2022. At 2 years, you'd be shedding about 4 days a year if it's a genital infection.
67%, or 3.7 billion, of people under 50 have hsv1 globally. This man is non-monogamous. He can't be freaked about hsv1.
If you take Valtrex, take it at least 5 days before seeing him. There shouldn't be any issue with taking it episodically like that. You've never had an outbreak - this shouldn't trigger one if you only take it short term. Clear it with your liver specialist, though.
Would he be willing to get a WB? He's non-monogamous. He should know his status. Also, he should test again for all STDs. I hope he does that regularly. All sexually active people who have multiple partners should be doing that regularly. No judgement here at all, just safety.
If you want to take oral sex off the table, that's fine, but that's really all you need to do.
If this is a genital infection, the chances that you'd ever transmit this is close to zero. You have no symptoms, and the most recently you'd be infected is in July 2022. At 2 years, you'd be shedding about 4 days a year if it's a genital infection.
67%, or 3.7 billion, of people under 50 have hsv1 globally. This man is non-monogamous. He can't be freaked about hsv1.
If you take Valtrex, take it at least 5 days before seeing him. There shouldn't be any issue with taking it episodically like that. You've never had an outbreak - this shouldn't trigger one if you only take it short term. Clear it with your liver specialist, though.
Would he be willing to get a WB? He's non-monogamous. He should know his status. Also, he should test again for all STDs. I hope he does that regularly. All sexually active people who have multiple partners should be doing that regularly. No judgement here at all, just safety.
Thanks for the response!
He’s not freaked at all, I am (but I’m an anxious person in general).
I haven’t thought about asking him to take the WB, but that is something to think about.
I saw my liver specialist a few months ago and she said taking Valtrex as needed (if I had an outbreak) would be fine.
It’s too late for me to take it before seeing him this weekend and I’m still kind of on the fence about introducing meds when I haven’t had any outbreaks.
My main worry is any shedding I might be doing if it’s oral (I know shedding if it’s genital is very, very low), but I know there really isn’t any data out there about whether Valtrex has any real effect on shedding for asymptomatic oral herpes.
As always I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. And no worries, definitely not getting any judgmental vibes.
He’s not freaked at all, I am (but I’m an anxious person in general).
I haven’t thought about asking him to take the WB, but that is something to think about.
I saw my liver specialist a few months ago and she said taking Valtrex as needed (if I had an outbreak) would be fine.
It’s too late for me to take it before seeing him this weekend and I’m still kind of on the fence about introducing meds when I haven’t had any outbreaks.
My main worry is any shedding I might be doing if it’s oral (I know shedding if it’s genital is very, very low), but I know there really isn’t any data out there about whether Valtrex has any real effect on shedding for asymptomatic oral herpes.
As always I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. And no worries, definitely not getting any judgmental vibes.
Valtrex hasn't been studied for oral hsv1, but there's nothing to suggest that it doesn't work in the same way as it does for hsv2.
Just go hang out with your guy, enjoy the weekend, and don't do anything that makes you uncomfy for whatever reason - which is always my rule. Sex is supposed to be fun and relaxing. If oral will stress you out, don't do it. :)
Just go hang out with your guy, enjoy the weekend, and don't do anything that makes you uncomfy for whatever reason - which is always my rule. Sex is supposed to be fun and relaxing. If oral will stress you out, don't do it. :)
Thanks auntiejessi! Really appreciate your feedback and support.
You're welcome. Have fun. :)
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
