Two HSV2 tests. One positive and one negative. Need input

[Gideon834]

I was tested in 2003 for HSV2 and tested positive. I was tested again in 2009 and tested negative. Below are my results. I was wondering if you could tell me what this means?

2003: HSV2-IGG-Herpeselect type specific AB.
The result they had for me was > 5.00. There was no specific number just that.

2009: Herpeselect HSV2 IGG test
The result was .22

Thanks,

Gideon

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Actually, the technology, nationally, is about the same.  Its possible you used a local lab that was different, I'm not familiar with what testing was used in your area.

Terri

[Gideon834]

I spoke to the Dr. and he told me the more recent test probably had a more accurate methodology. I was not concerned until I noticed some puffy pink almost red area on the area where I am circumscised. I showed it to the doctor and he said it was not herpes because there was no blistering although he acknowledged it was raised and more swollen and pink then the rest of the circumcised part of the shaft. Several days later I noticed a circular patch of dry skin which looks almost like a smooth round scab with a dot in the middle and all the pinkness had gone and the skin was back to its normal color. I showed it to him and he said it did not look like any herpes scab he had seen.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I can certainly see why you are confused!  These two results are completely different.  Somewhere, I suspect a sample mix-up somewhere,  I would suspect a third test might clear things up for you, and you can hope that it agrees with the most recent one!  Another option would be to get a herpes western blot through Quest labs, then you would feel really certain about the results.
Terri