Testing - Questions

[californiadude1980]

I have a question regarding testing:

I got my results back today from LabCorp.  It was the Trinity Captia ELISA IGG test for both 1 & 2.  Both results were negative at 11.2 weeks post exposure.  I also had this test done at 8.5 weeks, negative for both.

What is everyone's view of this test and it's accuracy and it's likelihood to change at 16 weeks?  Thanks for your help.

[californiadude1980]

I get my ELISA Herpeselect back tomorrow, will let you know those results. Either way, I will get a Western Blot at 16 weeks. Thanks for your help.

[catinbarefeet]

Your doctor can order it for you from the University of Washington. However, it's possible your insurance won't cover it. It will cost around $150-$160. Here is a link with a telephone number for your doctor to call:

http://depts.washington.edu/herpes/faq.php#faqCat-4

[hasteandwaste]

how do i get  this test?

[catinbarefeet]

There have been some recent studies that have found problems with the ELISA particularly in the low positive range between 1 and 3.5. My educated guess, however, is that if both your antibody counts were less than 0.9 at 11 weeks, you can be fairly sure you're negative for HSV.

If you do intend to continue testing, rather than having the ELISA done again at 16 weeks, I'd far more recommend requesting the Western Blot, the gold standard of tests. It has a 99% accuracy rate and is administered at the peerless Virology Research Center at the University of Washington. It will give you definitive answers.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi So far so good, very good test and at 8 half weeks you should have hit the low positive range.

David