HSV positive 3 years ago/negative now ??

[Snowbunny51]

I had sex almost 3 years ago and within a few days was at the doctors office with a genital rash.  A swab was taken at that time and a few days later I was notified that I was HSV-2 positive and he recommended medication.  I believed for the last 3 years that I was HSV-2 positive.  Recently I met someone who told me they had HSV-1 genitally.  I hadn't thought that might be an option.  I had a doctor appt coming up and decided to get a blood test and confirm that it really WAS HSV-2.  My blood work says I am HSV-1 positive only... but now I am confused.  Do I have HSV-2 or do I have HSV-1 genitally??  Which test is MOST accurate- the culture or the blood test?  Can the culture determine accurately between the two types (the first test)?  Should I assume the blood test isn't telling the truth or should I get my blood tested again?   (and yes it was HerpesSelect blood test)

[forever44444]

Okay, so grace confirmed that there are some swab tests that are not type specific.  So, if you can track down the actual lab results, you can find out if that test was.  It is your right as a patient to have a copy of the actual results from the lab.  I would still get the Western Blot though -- it's >99% effective and will let you know the truth, without any doubts.  Good luck.

[gracefromHHP]

First I recommend calling the clinic you were originally tested at and find out if they actually typed your lesion culture or just it came back as hsv+ so they assumed hsv2. Unfortunately some clinics still do that so if you can get a copy of your results from then it would be helpful.

grace

[forever44444]

Hi Snowbunny,  Thanks for posting on my thread in Terri's forum.  I don't know if you got an answer to your question through looking at other posts, but anyways....if you are negative via the blood test, you most likely don't have HSV-2!  It more often shows false positives for HSV-2 if a person already has HSV-1.  I don't know much about the swab test, but maybe it is not type specific.  But, for confirmation, you should get the Western Blot.  I got it, and it's actually a lot easier than it sounds to get.  Call them at 1-206-685-6066, and ask them to send you a kit.  Book and appt with your doctor, and bring the kit.  Make sure that the lab at your doctor's office has a centrifuge (most do).  And 2-3 weeks later you will know the truth.  Good luck.