Where can I get a Western Blot confirmatory test?

[sunflie333]

I tested in the low positive (1.33) for HSV 2 last week. However, I've never had any discernible outbreaks or symptoms. It has been 4 weeks since my last sexual contact with my most recent partner, and about 5 months since sexual contact with him started. He is getting tested now, but also has never had any symptoms.

My plan is to wait a few weeks and do the blood test again to see if anything has changed, but I'd really like to have a Western Blot done to be sure. The problem that I'm having is that in addition to being completely equivocal as to whether I have HSV 2 or not, my doctor (after researching it) came back and told me that the Western Blot is only for HIV. It appears that the Westover Heights Clinic is no longer able to order the test so my question is what is the best way to go about getting a Western Blot done? Should I just call University of Washington to order it and ship it myself?

[Bargmann]

The western blot is not for HIV, your doc is incorrect.  You should find a new physician.  I recently had a western blot done by UW.  You should get it done.  If you've had any recent sexual encounters that may have caused infection it's best to wait a couple months after but if you have no recent suspect sexual encounters then there is no need to wait.  Your index value is nearly equivocal and there is a good likelihood that you are not truly positive.  However until you have the western blot results you should practice safe sex.

[feelingundone]

Yes. You will have to contact the university of Washington and have them send you the kit. You should wait around 16 weeks from last exposure with the western blot.