Positive Igm test

[faith070707]

I have a question about IGM tests and their reliability.  Its been three weeks and two days (23 days) since my ONLY possible exposure to herpes.  Before that--tested negative by blood tests. I had unprotected sex with a girl who's status is unknown. Yesterday I had the herpes panel done by "same day std testing".  Today I got my results.  They said that I tested negative for IGG tests and positive for IGM.  I have had no outbreaks/symptoms other than general sick feelings (no fever or flu like symptoms).  I did lose my appetite these past few weeks.  Please help me with any information or thoughts you may have.  No blisters or sores etc.

[gracefromHHP]

The  herpes igm test is a greatly flawed test and should've never been drawn on you. Current CDC recommendations are that it not be used on adults.

A + igm is meaningless. Best you can do is wait and repeat igg testing 3 months post encounter. should you develop any genital symptoms before then, be seen promptly.

grace

[faith070707]

thanks for your response!  I have scheduled a blood test at the 8 week mark under my nurse practitioner's recommendation.  I also went in to have a visual examination of my genital areas since I had what looked like an ulceration on my penis, and what appeared to be a cold sore on my lip--I gave her oral sex and I am concerned this may be a sign of genital herpes on my lips (after I showered I peeled my lip's dead skin with my teeth and it has been raised for 2 weeks).  The nurse practitioner said it was a dry patch of skin on my penis and couldn't explain my lip but said it didn't look like a cold sore.  Furthermore, she said I did not have any visual symptoms below the waist or above.  I have a few more questions.  
1. I have been feeling tingling sensations in my thigh's/calf's for 4 days now (It will shoot from leg to leg periodically).  Could this be an early symptom signaling a breakout?
also, I have NEVER had a facial cold sore.
2. Are IGM test's type specific for ONLY HSV1/2 ? if so, would it signal contraction of HSV2 in my case ?
3. Also, how are the IGM test's inaccurate? I understand they can't distinguish between 1 & 2 . . but why are they unacceptable for adult use? and how frequent do false positive's arise in adults ? particularly within my IGM range . . "1.31" with no lesions.

The nurse practitioner thinks I am over reacting even after the positive IGM test.  I just want to know for peace of mind/not putting anyone else at risk.

THANKS

[faith070707]

She just told me she has genital herpes.

The IGM had to be correct? How else would it be positive?

I don't have any symptoms now but i am concerned I have it

[gracefromHHP]

many things cause the igm to be positive which is why we don't recommend its use at all in adults.

should you get a return of symptoms, be seen promptly for a lesion culture and typing. don't pick at anything before being seen.

you need to wait 3 months, testing at the 8 week mark is too early.

[faith070707]

Thanks, and I'll test at the 3 month period.