Aa
low positives - confirmatory results
If you were tested with a type specific herpes igg blood test and had a low positive result for hsv2 ( anything under 4.0 ) and sought out confirmatory testing, what were your eventual results?
Grace,
Thank you, Dr. Handsfield, and other members for their contributions to this site. It has been a great help to me over the past few weeks.
I am a female who gets tested on a regular basis, especially between partners and has open conversations with potential partners about STDs, testing and safety. In December I had a panel of tests taken through STDExpress and came out positive for HSV 1 igg 5.67 (not surprising, had a few cold sores as a kid) and positive for HSV 2 igg 1.61. This was a surprise because I had experienced no symptoms, had tested negative prior to my last partner who also was regularly tested and with whom I used condoms. Of course, I know HSV can still be transmitted, despite tests and taking precautions so figured maybe I was one of those people who fell into that category.
The company stood by their results that I was positive, and I started the process of coming to terms with that "fact".
I did quite a bit of research to find positive friendly resources so that I could move on and grow from the experience - my hope being that regardless of my status I would be a stronger person as a result. However, the fact that I was still low positive for HSV 2 had me doing some research on the chances of false positives which led me to the MedHelp Herpes forum. This site has been instrumental in not only giving me information and resources to ensure that I get confirmatory testing, but also in giving me the tools to lead a full and happy life even if positive.
My OBGYN set me up with another round of blood tests (HSV 2 igg) approximately 2 weeks after my initial test. My results came in today and I was negative at 0.13 (normal at that lab being 0.89). My doctor has a lot of faith in the work and reliability of the lab he uses. He stands by these results as being negative, and does not see any need in doing a different test (such as Western Blot or BioKit), but of course says that if I have any lingering doubts about my status we could always get these done.
I did contact STDExpress to give some feedback and share some concerns I had regarding the fact that they so strongly stand by the reliability of their results even if there is a low positive, without encouraging clients to get confirmatory testing. Not sure if that will have any impact, but I do hope that if more people do the same it will push the industry to take a closer look at their practices on how they frame test results to their consumers.
Needless to say it has been a whirlwind of emotions these past few weeks, but this site has been a bit of calm in the storm.
I would also like to respond to the poll, if that is still possible (but couldn't figure out how to do so...).
T
Thank you, Dr. Handsfield, and other members for their contributions to this site. It has been a great help to me over the past few weeks.
I am a female who gets tested on a regular basis, especially between partners and has open conversations with potential partners about STDs, testing and safety. In December I had a panel of tests taken through STDExpress and came out positive for HSV 1 igg 5.67 (not surprising, had a few cold sores as a kid) and positive for HSV 2 igg 1.61. This was a surprise because I had experienced no symptoms, had tested negative prior to my last partner who also was regularly tested and with whom I used condoms. Of course, I know HSV can still be transmitted, despite tests and taking precautions so figured maybe I was one of those people who fell into that category.
The company stood by their results that I was positive, and I started the process of coming to terms with that "fact".
I did quite a bit of research to find positive friendly resources so that I could move on and grow from the experience - my hope being that regardless of my status I would be a stronger person as a result. However, the fact that I was still low positive for HSV 2 had me doing some research on the chances of false positives which led me to the MedHelp Herpes forum. This site has been instrumental in not only giving me information and resources to ensure that I get confirmatory testing, but also in giving me the tools to lead a full and happy life even if positive.
My OBGYN set me up with another round of blood tests (HSV 2 igg) approximately 2 weeks after my initial test. My results came in today and I was negative at 0.13 (normal at that lab being 0.89). My doctor has a lot of faith in the work and reliability of the lab he uses. He stands by these results as being negative, and does not see any need in doing a different test (such as Western Blot or BioKit), but of course says that if I have any lingering doubts about my status we could always get these done.
I did contact STDExpress to give some feedback and share some concerns I had regarding the fact that they so strongly stand by the reliability of their results even if there is a low positive, without encouraging clients to get confirmatory testing. Not sure if that will have any impact, but I do hope that if more people do the same it will push the industry to take a closer look at their practices on how they frame test results to their consumers.
Needless to say it has been a whirlwind of emotions these past few weeks, but this site has been a bit of calm in the storm.
I would also like to respond to the poll, if that is still possible (but couldn't figure out how to do so...).
T
I posted my own thread but I'm still unsettled and am wondering if I should go for WB or being asymptomatic this long after exposure, I should just not seek testing. Here's the story.
This year, I had protected sex with three strippers in three separate occasions from about Feb. to March. I used condoms. The encounters were brief and vaginal.
The last encounter was early April. It was unprotected oral which I received. Late April I decided to get tested. Everything came back clean except HSV 2. That came back equivocal. The test was ordered through STD Express. I tested again May 11. The IGG result was 2.05. I read STD Express has a 98% sensitivity.
Two weeks ago, I went to my doctor and told him that I haven't had any lesions and I wanted the WB test. He sent me to Quest. Quest ran my blood work and called the doctor's office to tell him that they didn't do WB. Instead they ran my blood work again for HSV. This time it came back at about IGG 1.69. So to recap.
Since April, I've gone from equivocal, to 2.05 to 1.69 IGG. HSV 1 Negative. What should I do. Thanks
This year, I had protected sex with three strippers in three separate occasions from about Feb. to March. I used condoms. The encounters were brief and vaginal.
The last encounter was early April. It was unprotected oral which I received. Late April I decided to get tested. Everything came back clean except HSV 2. That came back equivocal. The test was ordered through STD Express. I tested again May 11. The IGG result was 2.05. I read STD Express has a 98% sensitivity.
Two weeks ago, I went to my doctor and told him that I haven't had any lesions and I wanted the WB test. He sent me to Quest. Quest ran my blood work and called the doctor's office to tell him that they didn't do WB. Instead they ran my blood work again for HSV. This time it came back at about IGG 1.69. So to recap.
Since April, I've gone from equivocal, to 2.05 to 1.69 IGG. HSV 1 Negative. What should I do. Thanks
Hi, first of all you cant contract herpes from a oil handjob. So no testing was needed. So the test you took would be for detecting hsv2 from past experience and since you had none outside your partner, it would be a false positive.
The only other option is that your partner has hsv2 and you just contracted it and tested to early.
The only other option is that your partner has hsv2 and you just contracted it and tested to early.
Good Day Grace,
I am 29 years old male in asia, i never had sex with other girl beside my partner. Unfortunately 8 weeks ago I received oil hand job from massage parlour without condom. 2 days after exposure i experienced itchy on groin and scrotum. 3 days I used detergent based soap to wash it and became reddish.
I went to doctor and the doctor gave me hydrocortisone. It healed my reddish within 2 days. And the doctor said it is irritation not herpes.
However there is a big worry on me then i took hsv igg test 7.5 weeks after exposure. The result :
Hsv 1 igg 0.7 (negative)
Hsv 2 igg 1.14 (> 1.1 reference said positive)
All igm negative
The doctor said it could be false positive since still in borderline for hsv 2.
The question is :
1. Am i positive or negative ?
2. Am i safe to have sex with my partner ? We plan to have a child
3. Do i need to re-test ?
I really appreciate your response since i can't get enough sleep worrying this confusion.
Best Regards,
I am 29 years old male in asia, i never had sex with other girl beside my partner. Unfortunately 8 weeks ago I received oil hand job from massage parlour without condom. 2 days after exposure i experienced itchy on groin and scrotum. 3 days I used detergent based soap to wash it and became reddish.
I went to doctor and the doctor gave me hydrocortisone. It healed my reddish within 2 days. And the doctor said it is irritation not herpes.
However there is a big worry on me then i took hsv igg test 7.5 weeks after exposure. The result :
Hsv 1 igg 0.7 (negative)
Hsv 2 igg 1.14 (> 1.1 reference said positive)
All igm negative
The doctor said it could be false positive since still in borderline for hsv 2.
The question is :
1. Am i positive or negative ?
2. Am i safe to have sex with my partner ? We plan to have a child
3. Do i need to re-test ?
I really appreciate your response since i can't get enough sleep worrying this confusion.
Best Regards,
This is my story, a repost from a thread I started yesterday...
(Late 20's male, uncircumcised, negative for both HSV1/2 3/2012).
My girlfriend (until yesterday) and I enjoyed a very active sex life, vaginally and orally. About two months ago she complained of some burning and itching in her vagina. She went to the gyro and all parties thought it was just a yeast infection, no testing. Shortly thereafter I developed some itching and small red spots, thought it was just a yeast infection and from what I read it sounded like it would just go away. Last week I developed some pain during ejaculation which morphed into pain during urination. I went to urgent care and the doctor said it presented like herpes and took a swab, blood and urine to run tests. Last Friday the swab came back positive for HSV1 and the IgM came back negative for both HSV1/2. After doing some research I called back and asked them about the IgG results and they told me that the lab had not resulted the IgG for some reason. I asked them why they didn't and they had no explanation. I asked them to have the lab (LabCorp) develop them and I received the results today and it was IgG negative for HSV1 (<.91) and 2.23 for HSV2.. I have never had any symptoms prior to last week. These results have me rather distressed and I am curious what the various scenarios that could come of these results?
Has anyone ever had a similar issue with a positive culture being incorrect?
Or with there being a discrepancy between the culture and the IgG?
(Late 20's male, uncircumcised, negative for both HSV1/2 3/2012).
My girlfriend (until yesterday) and I enjoyed a very active sex life, vaginally and orally. About two months ago she complained of some burning and itching in her vagina. She went to the gyro and all parties thought it was just a yeast infection, no testing. Shortly thereafter I developed some itching and small red spots, thought it was just a yeast infection and from what I read it sounded like it would just go away. Last week I developed some pain during ejaculation which morphed into pain during urination. I went to urgent care and the doctor said it presented like herpes and took a swab, blood and urine to run tests. Last Friday the swab came back positive for HSV1 and the IgM came back negative for both HSV1/2. After doing some research I called back and asked them about the IgG results and they told me that the lab had not resulted the IgG for some reason. I asked them why they didn't and they had no explanation. I asked them to have the lab (LabCorp) develop them and I received the results today and it was IgG negative for HSV1 (<.91) and 2.23 for HSV2.. I have never had any symptoms prior to last week. These results have me rather distressed and I am curious what the various scenarios that could come of these results?
Has anyone ever had a similar issue with a positive culture being incorrect?
Or with there being a discrepancy between the culture and the IgG?
Why is Western Blot more reliable than Eliza?
NO SYMPTOMS. WENT FOR A NORMAL SCREENING
Blood taken @ a clinic on Oct 21st - 3.3 igg hsv2
Blood taken on Oct 28th to get sent to U of Wash for Western blot: negative hsv2
GET THE WESTERN BLOT
Blood taken @ a clinic on Oct 21st - 3.3 igg hsv2
Blood taken on Oct 28th to get sent to U of Wash for Western blot: negative hsv2
GET THE WESTERN BLOT
http://www.racoon.com/herpes/WB_test.htm
Everything u need to know on how to get th WB and info!
goof luck and God bless, S
Everything u need to know on how to get th WB and info!
goof luck and God bless, S
how can one get biokit or western blot?
how can one get biokit or western blot?
I don't know how to take the actual poll above (probably because I'm not a member), but I just had a WB done for HSV2 after a low positive blood test result at Planned Parenthood and it came back Negative!! I had found this page and was hoping for a false positive result, but had pretty much resigned myself to having it. Cannot imagine if I had not done the confirmatory testing.
Thank you so much for posting this! It is so important.
Thank you so much for posting this! It is so important.
Here are my igg tests results:
1st test at Labcorp (HSV-2 only):
HSV-2 - 1.48
Retested at Quest Labs a month later:
HSV-1: 8.0
HSV-2: 0.8
Very grateful for this forum, i would never had known the possibility of false positives otherwise.
1st test at Labcorp (HSV-2 only):
HSV-2 - 1.48
Retested at Quest Labs a month later:
HSV-1: 8.0
HSV-2: 0.8
Very grateful for this forum, i would never had known the possibility of false positives otherwise.
Herpeselct -
hsv1 negative
Hsv2 1.31
Western blot -
no antibodies detected for hsv2
Past infection detected for hsv1
hsv1 negative
Hsv2 1.31
Western blot -
no antibodies detected for hsv2
Past infection detected for hsv1
I'm eligible to vote in this poll (my response is: "I got another test and was negative for hsv2"), but don't know how. Can anyone advise me?
The test i am speaking about says
Herpes simplex virus 1 igg
Herpes simplex virus 2 igg
Neg 11
The other one
Neg 30
Any one heard these elisa test?
Herpes simplex virus 1 igg
Herpes simplex virus 2 igg
Neg 11
The other one
Neg 30
Any one heard these elisa test?
Does anyone knows hsv1 and hsv2 igg elisa tests other than herpeselect biokit kalon?
The lab ( outside usa ) says they are type specific but i dont know much about them
One uses index neg 11
Another lab neg 30
They say they are igg and type specific but i wanted to know if any one had ever met these refrence values?
Possible exposure feb 2012
4weeks Herpeselect igg hsv2 1.7
One more week later herpeselect immunoblot negative
1.5 years later the previous test ls mentioned above outside usa both neg
The lab ( outside usa ) says they are type specific but i dont know much about them
One uses index neg 11
Another lab neg 30
They say they are igg and type specific but i wanted to know if any one had ever met these refrence values?
Possible exposure feb 2012
4weeks Herpeselect igg hsv2 1.7
One more week later herpeselect immunoblot negative
1.5 years later the previous test ls mentioned above outside usa both neg
My story -- awaiting results: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/High-igg-HSV2-score--followed-by-false-positive-range-score-six-months-later/show/2038679
The posts are encouraging -- I look forward to finally knowing my status. It is unfortunate that their is so much misinformation in the medical world with respect to HSV testing.
The posts are encouraging -- I look forward to finally knowing my status. It is unfortunate that their is so much misinformation in the medical world with respect to HSV testing.
I experienced the same thing when requesting a Western Blot from Quest (through my dermatologist). Someone in the dermatologists office said that you have to add "x" to the end of the test number, i.e. #34534x -- once this was relayed to the Quest person on the phone, they said "Oh, here it is...." By the way, Quest sends your blood to the University of Washington. I called the University of Washington lab and they were very friendly -- they told me that they received my blood on Saturday (my blood was drawn on the Thursday of that week). I am patiently waiting for my results...fingers crossed!
July 2013
HSV-2 IGG result 2.40 via Manhattan Labs
3 months later
October 2013
HSV-2 IGG result 0.18 via Beaumont
HSV-2 IGG indices were typical such that less than .90 is negative...
HSV-2 IGG result 2.40 via Manhattan Labs
3 months later
October 2013
HSV-2 IGG result 0.18 via Beaumont
HSV-2 IGG indices were typical such that less than .90 is negative...
Hey, everyone, just wanted to share my story of being HSV2 NEGATIVE after falsely testing positive twice.
In summary:
10/30/12 - Unprotected sexual encounter with someone I had just met
12/9/12 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 positive at 3.96 (Igg type specific testing)
12/20/12 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 positive at 1.75 (Igg type specific testing)
4/12/13 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 negative by WB!
Although I had come to terms with having HSV2, I am extremely happy to find out I don't have it. My doctor was extremely surprised (pleasantly, of course), and said he will never forget this experience. I provided him all the necessary information to recommend the WB as confirmation for his future patients, and I also directed him to this forum.
Although I really had come to terms with having HSV2, it is truly a relief that I don't have it. As I've become extremely well educated about HSV2, I realize just how ridiculous the stigma is that comes along with it. However, dating is stressful enough in general, and I'm very happy to have one less thing to worry about in that regard. It's certainly changed the way I will approach sexual relationships in the future.
To check out my full experience, complete with anxiety driven posts :), check out this link: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/Recently-Discovered-HSV-2-Exposure/show/1865071#post_8642735
Grace, thanks again for all your guidance and patience.
In summary:
10/30/12 - Unprotected sexual encounter with someone I had just met
12/9/12 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 positive at 3.96 (Igg type specific testing)
12/20/12 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 positive at 1.75 (Igg type specific testing)
4/12/13 - HSV1 negative, HSV2 negative by WB!
Although I had come to terms with having HSV2, I am extremely happy to find out I don't have it. My doctor was extremely surprised (pleasantly, of course), and said he will never forget this experience. I provided him all the necessary information to recommend the WB as confirmation for his future patients, and I also directed him to this forum.
Although I really had come to terms with having HSV2, it is truly a relief that I don't have it. As I've become extremely well educated about HSV2, I realize just how ridiculous the stigma is that comes along with it. However, dating is stressful enough in general, and I'm very happy to have one less thing to worry about in that regard. It's certainly changed the way I will approach sexual relationships in the future.
To check out my full experience, complete with anxiety driven posts :), check out this link: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/Recently-Discovered-HSV-2-Exposure/show/1865071#post_8642735
Grace, thanks again for all your guidance and patience.
I tried to obtain a Western Blot HSV from Quest and was told that test #34534 was discontinued as of July 2012.
HSV-I : >5
HSV-II : 1.41
I shelled out the extra 100. BIOKIT CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!
God knows how many people got a low positive, and lived the rest of their lives thinking they had it, and even goes so far as to finding a partner that was positive, and getting it on purpose....
HSV-II : 1.41
I shelled out the extra 100. BIOKIT CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!
God knows how many people got a low positive, and lived the rest of their lives thinking they had it, and even goes so far as to finding a partner that was positive, and getting it on purpose....
Identical initial results as you Just found out and ordered a Western Block. How did you get tested through the Western Block and how are you doing today?
Very happy for you!
Very happy for you!
Mike that is very true. I just got tested for the for STD at my routine exam and about 2 weeks later the nurse called and said that all my other test results were fine and the only abnormal one was I tested positive(exposed to the virus?????) for HSV-1 and HSV-2. She then told me I had to schedule an appointment to speak with the doctor about my results so I did and that was a week ago today. When I went in we went over test results and I told him I had never had any symptoms of either and demanded a retest and he stated that it would probably come back the same. And I just got my retest results and it still states I have been exposed to the virus 1&2. Now I am going to call to see what kind of test was taken and what the readings were. I pray that the result are a false positive. I do believe that there are errors in medicine and that God has total control over my body!!!! Please pray for me b/c I just have sooo much going thru my mind and I haven't even told anyone about the result( I plan to tell my previous partner) but this devestating news to hear when you feel,look and everything else seem fine.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
