Tested positive for HSV2, what does the number mean?

[Wander45]

I had some issues recently after having unprotected sex that sent me to my doctor and to get STD tested.  My doctor said I did not visually appear to have an STD, although I did have a bacterial intection which she treated me for.  She also gave me an order for STD testing.  I received my lab results and I tested positive for HSV2.  After some serious freaking out and mad searching on the internet, I returned to my doctor to discuss 'what now' and to find out why the infection was not clearing.  My symptoms were a clear discharge, burning/tingling, several tiny white bumps and what I thought was a possible yeast and bladder infection at the same time.  My doctor and I had thought it may be HPV before I was tested, because of the tiny white bumps.  She was as shocked with the results as I was.  We talked about how I'd been STD specific tested last year and had not been sexually active for several months before and after being tested.  It was all negative.  She said it would seem that it would have been transmitted to me recently then.  I had the (Elisa) testing and I asked her what the likelihood was that I could retest and be negative.  She said it was not likely because the testing is so specific now.  She also mentioned that my number was very low.

HSV 2 Glycoprotein G = 1.23

Does this number mean anything?  Can you help me understand this number better?  I've looked everywhere and the sites I found any information on were vague.  Some suggest it could mean a recent transmission due to the low number.  Others suggest it does not mean anything.  My doctor was great and really talked with me about my options and gave me a lot of information, other than this, that are helping me adjust to this knowledge.  She prescribed Valtrex which I am taking daily now.

Thank you!          

[Wander45]

Hi Grace,

It's been a while.  I just retested as you suggested I do and what I chose to do for myself; even though my Gyn said, "If you test positive, you're positive" period.  I retested with the ELISA again, not the WB as I had intended.    

My initial result: HSV 2 Glycoprotein G = 1.23 (positive)
                        Anitbody, IgG

Today's Result: HSV 2 Glycoprotein G = .94 (equivocal)
                       Antibody, IgG


So, not only did my result NOT go up, it went down.

I just read the comments from a Dr. here on MedHelp and he states that an equivocal 1.02 or lower is a false positive or a negative and nothing more.  So much for what my Gyn told me.  If I'd listened, I might not be where I am today.  I'm not going to test further.  I'm comfortable with these results and WILL be taking more precautions in the future!

Thanks for all you do here, it's truly an awesome site!      


                          

[gracefromHHP]

for a long time they weren't sending the testing kits to anyone but doctor's office. guess they changed their policies again.

grace

[Wander45]

Oh, per #9.  This is regarding testing other than Western Blot.  I was tested by ELISA and my insurance would cover my being tested by that method under a diagnostic code; unlimited times per year.

[Wander45]

Grace, thank you for all your feedback.  Mistakeguy789 too!

I contacted the phone number listed on the Westover Heights website and ordered the kit for the Western Blot.

Here's some information I found out today:

1.  They will send you a kit in discreet packaging free of charge; directly to your home.

2.  Since my positive is so low and for anyone really wanting a concrete answer one way or the other, they suggest you wait 3-4 months since exposure to test or retest.   This may give your body time to develop anitibodies if you're going to.  I was told some bodies are extremely efficient at fighting off infections and may show up sooner (possibly as in my case), but is best recommended to wait the 3-4 months.  

3.  You need a doctors order to accompany the returned test or they will not test it.

4.  No insurance outside of Washington will cover (pay for) the WB testing.  It's an out of pocket expense.

5.  You need to send a check or money order at the time you return the test, in the amount of $156.25. (call the number on the site to verify, although this was as of today).

6.  Some information I was given is that a large test was done on a group of 'low positive and questionable' from Belgium by using other testing.  When sent to the lab and testing performed using the WB,  a high number of both the low positives and the questionables were negative and remained negative with future testing.

7.  WB is either positive or negative.  It does not give a number value like some of the other tests.

8.  There ARE some questionables even using the WB.  Very few and far less than other methods of testing, but there are some.  Unfortunately, you don't get a refund of fees paid and it does not apply to future testing.

9.  Per PPO insurances; if you have tested and feel you need further confirmation, you can be retested under the same diagnosis as that used previously by your physician.  As long as they order the same exact test it will be covered by insurance as long as it is listed under a 'diagnostic' test and not a screening test.

I called my insurance company to verify coverage for the WB testing and the phone number for Westover Heights to order the kit.  Both told me it is an out of pocket expense.  I hope this information helps others that have some of the same questions I have had.  I will wait the 3-4 months to be tested again.  I will come back and share that information either way.

Best to all.
  

[Mistakeguy789]

me too!  Grace is wonderful.  I don't think I could ask for anyone better at things.  I told her when she would respond to my questions that if she ran for president she would get my vote!

[Wander45]

Yes, I absolutely agree with you.  In an ever growing 'lack' of personable customer /patient care, some of us are ignoring the rule and being the exception.  It's all a choice.  

I kinda like Grace's spunk!! ; ^ }