HSV-2, Shingles, Best test

[jdbourd]

I have already mentally accepted having HSV-2 for the last couple of years, but honestly never really dug into it to get 100% physical confirmation. How can I do this? Here are just the facts:

Tested positive 5 years ago. Was in a very sexual relationship without protection yet partner never tested positive after 4 years. I have NEVER had an outbreak nor any irritation. Was tested with an IGG 3.12 positive. Had shingles on my shoulder, chest, back when I was 12 years old. It was claimed to be from stress, but I’m not a person that stresses out, it was a pretty random occurrence.

Does the shingles have any affect on my testing as I have come across a few forums about it? Can shingles antibodies be the same as hsv-2 antibodies? I am not trying to avoid having this, I just want the confirmation so I can carry on with my life and the decisions I make. What alternative tests do I have that can give me that confirmation? What would you do in this situation, I am open to whatever.

[jdbourd]

A related discussion, western blot was started.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

That is an error.  There are western blots for herpes available, but they may not be readily available to your doc.  I would encourage him/her to call Quest and ask about test code 34534.  That is the correct code.  Wanna try that?
Terri

[jdbourd]

I went to my physician today and they said that they do use quest for western blots but do not have a western blot for HSV, and they also said they called Quest to confirm. He mentioned that those types of tests were done in icu, for some other reasons. What do you recommend I do?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Your physician can order this for you if he/she uses Quest labs.  If that doesn't work for some reason, your physician can order a testing kit from the University of Washington directly.  Look online for that link and information.  I don't think there are any places to pay cash and do that.  Let me know if you have trouble with that.

terri

[jdbourd]

Thank you for the quick response, I appreciate it. How do I go about a Quest Lab Western Bloc. Something through my physician or are there clinics that allow you to pay cash to have that done?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No shingles has no impact whatsoever on your herpes simplex antibody test, none.  However, your HSV 2 antibody test is what we call a low positive (i.e., less than 3.5).  In my clinic, any patient whose HSV 2 antibody test is less than 3.5 get a western blot for confirmation.  The Quest laboratory code for this test is 34534.  I would strongly recommend that you get confirmatory western blot testing, just to be sure.  Your value is pretty high to be a false positive, but it happens, so  think about it.

The shingles and the herpes simplex do not get mixed up on the test, so don't even worry about that part, OK?

Terri