From a high hsv1 positive to a negative 6 weeks later?????

[ra3919]

What got me here was unprotected sex with a woman who got tested and found
she had very high reading for both hsv1/2. But no symptoms.

Tested negative IGG hsv1/2 via labcorp 1 week after last involvement.

Tested negative IGM hsv via labcorp 2 weeks after last involvement.

Tested positive IGG hsv1 4.43 and hsv2 equivocal at 1.07 via DCO at 6 weeks.

Tested negative IGG hsv2 via labcorp at 10 weeks.

Tested negative IGG hsv1/2 via labcorp at 12 weeks.

None of my symptoms really suggest classic hsv1 or hsv2.

What I believed is was cold sore has been ongoing for seven weeks
now - never heard of a cold sore lasting this long and it has nevered hurt.

So how do I go from a high hsv1 positive to a negative 6 weeks later?????

Is labcorp testing just not reliable

[ra3919]

Thanks Tim, the test that showed a high positive was a hepeselect. The others done by labcorp seem to be captia. Thinking my best option is to wait three more weeks and try to get a western blot. Just very difficult to get in my location. I am starting to understand the CDC reasons for not recommending hsv testing.

[TiminBoston]

Yeah - the testing can be really unreliable.  Especially for HSV1.  But, your HSV2 #s look good pretty much everywhere.  And that's what matters.

If I were you, I'd be making an appointment to get another type of test at some point. Just to see which of the two types of tests is more accurate.  Try Quest HerpeSelect ELISA.  Or why not get the WB if you have the money.  

[ra3919]

My main issue is just how unreliable this testing appears to be! I am hoping the test for hsv2 is correct, but when you have test results like these - you start to really start to question. If I had been using the labcorp all the time, I would be totally thinking I had no issues.

Thanks - Ra

[TiminBoston]

Try not to get too worked up about it... remember 65% of Americans are positive for HSV1.  I've had it since second grade.

Even you get an outbreak genitally (which would mean that you have the virus there and not on your lips), it's a minor, minor condition.  Easily managed and hard to transmit to a partner if you take any precautions whatsoever.  Like abstaining whenever you feel like you are having an outbreak.

Also - IF it's a gential HSV1 infection, you may never have an outbreak.  Ever.  Try to take the diagnosis in stride.  I realize it's easier said than done, but still...

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, the high positive would stand and the negative would be false. Remember even the best tests miss 10% of infections.