question about testing sites

[tsm227]

i'm considering retaking the herpes HSV-2 test other than the place that i took before where i got negative result after about 2 month from possible exposure and i was wondering where can i find a good place to take this test?
I'm in southern california by the way. I looked into one of the website called LabSafe where i buy test online and they set me up to go to testing place, is this place good place to take the test?
And what type of test do i have to look for when considering taking HSV-2 test?
Also from one of the questions below, i read that you could get herpes on palm of your hands. I recently got something bumpy on my hand also. It's not very noticeable unless i look closely into it and it's not cut opened or anything yet but i was concerned.
How does it look like when you get herpes on your hands?
And what does it mean if it turns out to be herpes?
Does it mean i probably have genital herpes also?

[gracefromHHP]

Your hsv2 is negative.  Yes indeed if you really want the "final" answer you'll need to test again at the 4 month mark.

grace

[tsm227]

I just got my test result back and it is

HSV-1 ab IgG 4.35H Positive

HSV-2 ab IgG <0.90 Negative

I guess HSV-1 has to do with cold sores, something that i probably had it before, got it from my parents if im right..

What i'm worried about is genital herpes, whether i got it from the contact around 2months ago.

At least i feel better right now, but like you said, just to make sure, i should probably get retested at 4 month right?

[gracefromHHP]

www.ashastd.org has info for more reading on the difference between hsv1 and hsv2.

When you get your test results back I can help you. About 3/4's of folks will test accurately at the 2 month mark. It's really not worth getting tested though until the 4 month mark since you just have to repeat it then anyways if it's negative at 2 months.

grace

[tsm227]

One more thing, i've been reading few questions from the forum and i was getting bit confused with HSV-1 and 2 here.

Can you briefly tell me the difference between the two so that i'll know what is going on when i get my test result. thx

[tsm227]

Ok today by going through tstd, i did go to labcorp and got tested for herpes and waiting for results to get back which takes couple of days.

It's been about 2 months since the possible exposure and i hear that it could take up to 4 months for some people to test positive.

So i was wondering, what's the test accuracy at 2months?
Should i consider retaking the test at 4 months to make sure?

[gracefromHHP]

It's my understanding that if you have herpes on your hands - you won't have to wonder or look that hard. It hurts like a SOB I'm told.  If yo uare looking that hard for it - it's likely something else going on - probably something completely normal.

I'm not familar with labsafe to know which test they use. Call them/email them and ask them for more info on what herpes blood test they are using. If they are going thru labcorp or quest labs then yes they are reputible labs ( these are the names of the labs they send their specimens to ).  

I know that www.tstd.org and www.healthcheckusa.com and also the aim-med clinics in southern california all offer the herpeselect blood test and are reputible.  If you are paying more than $100 for a herpes igg blood test though you are being charged too much - plenty of good places to get it cheaply on the west coast if you look!  The LAHelp group can also help you find draw stations to get tested at.

grace