igg test results

[rradditz123]

Hello Doctor,

This is a follow up post to the following post (which I think was closed, didn't know how to repost to it.).

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/question-about-negative-hsv-1-2-combined-test-results/show/1647203

I just recently switched health providers over the past couple months and was not able to get a western blot ordered at my previous health provider, which I will ask my new provider about getting.

I was able to get both the herpeselect ELISA and Immunoblot tests done through direct to consumer testing sites.  I took the ELISA twice and the Immunublot once (all hsv 1 and 2 type specific IGG tests), all of which came back negative.  I didn't realize the Immunoblot was available until after already taking the ELISA.  From the herpeselect site the Immunoblot has much better hsv1 detection, which is primarily what I am concerned with.

I wanted to follow up and see if these new test results would give me any reason to not follow up with a western blot.  I would think if I haven't seroconverted by now I never will (is that possible?).

Another quick question.  A doctor I had 10+ years ago may have put me on an antiviral medication (could have been valtrax).  Is there any reason something like that would prevent serocoversion?

Thanks,
Js

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You can order the western blot through our office.  It requires becoming a patient of the clinic with a 10 minute phone visit.  Feel free to call if this would be helpful, 503-2226-6678

terri

[rradditz123]

One more question.  Do you have any advice for getting this test done if my provider does not cooperate and order the test?

[rradditz123]

Thanks.  I will talk to my new provider about getting the western blot done, hopefully they cooperate.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I am no more impressed with the sensitivity of the immunoblot than the ELISA, regardless of the numbers.  The immunoblot is a color change test, it doesn't give a numeric value.  So it would be easy to over-read it and get greater sensitivity.  

If you want greatest sensitivity to HSV 1, I prefer the western blot hands down.

Nothing you took 10 years ago will influence a test that you take now, no worries there.

Terri