False Positive for HSV-2?

[Polybius]

Greetings,

I've been with a few women over the past few months, all of whom have said they were safe.  I went to get tested recently and my IGG test from Quest reported a 1.6, which is a low positive.  My doctor said to me that this is too low to be sure so I tested a second time, this time it reported a 1.46 much to my dismay.  Does this mean I have HSV-2?  Both tests were from Quest and I've heard they are highly accurate.

I've displayed no symptoms and neither has the most recent partner I've been with.  I recently also had a rather bad flu and have had recent mononucleosis reactivations (within the last two years).  I was wondering if these could skew the antibody results in any way, especially since the results were so low.

I'm wondering if I should wait for a month and then get retested?  Obviously this has me worried that I've possibly infected my partner with something awful.

[gracefromHHP]

why not call the U of washington lab monday and talk to someone there. Sometimes they can arrange for the test to be done at a local quest lab for you. I know others have had this experience so it's worth a try.

[petal130]

It's an IgG test as well, perfectly fine for herpes but results can be a low positive, which then needs confirmatory testing.. You can read all about herpes testing in the Herpes Handbook here.

http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters/diagnosis.html

If you're having difficultly getting your doctor to write a script for the WB through Quest, you can also contact Terri Warren's office through the above link I believe (contact us link I assume). They can work with you to get it done and sent to the Univ of Washington (where the actual lab is).

[Polybius]

Drats.

I specifically asked for a Western Blot as I've had three similar tests now and this is definitely a waste of time and money and waiting for results also takes an emotional and spiritual toll.

I've contacted my doctor about this.  I'm more curious about this Elisa test though.  What is that in regards to, exactly?

[petal130]

No, an Elisa is not a Western Blot. You're still a low positive, and you'd have to have the WB to confirm. Continuing to test with IgG will most likely be a waste of time and money in your situation. The test is done through Quest diagnostics, #34534.

[Polybius]

I got the results today.  There are two tests on here.  The first is a HSV2 IgG Type Specific Ab with the result of 1.53.

The second test is called HSV-2 IgG Inhibition, Elisa.  Both say positive.  Did I not get a western blot as requested?  I've never even heard of the Elisa test.

[Polybius]

Okay, maybe I misheard him.  I'm going to check the forms when they come in and then I'll call my doctor to make sure.  I can't imagine how they'd screw it up, as I made sure to check when I went in, but it could be wrong.  Despite my Doctor's prodigious talent, he doesn't seem to have a lot of experience with herpes.  A number of things I learned here are things I told him, much to his surprise.

Thank you for your help.  I'll write more when I know more.

[gracefromHHP]

you did not have a herpes Wb done I can assure you.

call your provider and ask why the wrong testing was done on you.

[Polybius]

I haven't gotten the forms back yet.  I just heard it over the phone from my doctor.  I guess I'll double check when they get here, but the doctor said positive.

[gracefromHHP]

I 2nd bobrope's post - you won't get numeric results with the herpes WB.  

[bobrope45]

The WB does not provide a number as a result - it only says `positive` or `negative. Are you sure they ordered the WB? It sounds like they`ve ordered another ELISA IgG for you. Can you double check that?

[Polybius]

I got results back today after waiting for a long time.  My results for this test, which was a western blot with a recursive post test (dunno what that means but it sounds to me like "double-checking") indicated that I had a 1.56 result.  

Now I am looking for advice on how to proceed.  Three times I've entered into the low positive area.  Thanks for any help you can give.

[Polybius]

Thanks Grace,

Reading the other posts has given me hope for the best here.  I realize even if the results end up positive it's not the end of the world but I appreciate your help.  I've advised my two most recent partners to seek testing and my doctor has sent me forms to request a Western Blot in another 6 weeks.

[gracefromHHP]

correct.

[Polybius]

It's been six weeks since the encounter.  I assume I should wait another 6 weeks before getting tested a third time?

[gracefromHHP]

your partner should also pursue herpes igg blood testing so that we can determine when you can repeat your results.  there are false positive issues but we need to make sure you've waited enough time to test in general too.

grace

[Mistakeguy789]

Let grace respond about your results.  Though I will give you some info her word is to be trusted given that she is trained in these test.  Before I go further a few questions she will need.

When was the last time you had sexual encounter prior to this testing?

Testing is accurate at 12 weeks prior to an encounter.