so very confused with test results

[general09]

I am very confused about my HSV test results.  Apparently what was tested was "HSV 1/2 IgM, IFA; HSV 1 and 2-specific Ab, IgG."  

The results state as follows:
HSV 1 IgM, IFA     result 1:80 (high)
HSV 2 IgM, IFA     result 1:40 (high)
REFERENCE RANGE <1:20

INTERPRETIVE CRITERIA:
      or = 1:20  Antibody Detected

It also states "the IFA procedure for measuring IgM antibodies to HSV 1 and HSV2 detects both type-common and type-specific HSV antibodies.  Thus, elevated titers to both HSV 1 and HSV 2 may represent crossreactive HSV antibodies rather than exposure to both HSV 1 and HSV 2."

It goes on to give this information:

HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec       <0.91  (equivocal 0.91 - 1.09)
HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec       <0.91  (equivocal 0.91 - 1.09)

Note:  Negative indicates no antibodies detected to HSV-1, HSV-2.  Equivocal may suggest early infection.  If clinically appropriate, retest at a later date.  Positive indicates antibodies detected to HSV-1, HSV-2; coinfection cannot be excluded without type specific testing.  

My questions are these:  What is "IFA"?  I have read a lot about IgM testing being inaccurate, but from this, I really can't figure out if the IgG was tested or not.  It seems like if it was, it was equivocal.  

Can someone please help me interpret these results?  My nurse practitioner was not very specific in giving me the results over the phone, which is why I requested a copy.  She said it looks like I was "recently exposed."  I asked her how reliable the test was, and she said she thought it was "pretty reliable."  I also have a blood disorder, antiphospholipid syndrome, so I have an anti-S antibody in my blood as it is.  I wonder if this could alter the test results.  

Any help/explanation for these results would be greatly appreciated.  I asked her if she would look into the possibility of a false-positive (as I have had absolutely no symptoms) with the antiphospholipid syndrome.  That was 2 weeks ago, and she still doesn't have an answer for me.  This is really putting a strain on my life.  My test was done just 2 days shy of a month ago.  Should I get retested with a different type of test?  

Thanks!

[celibatefromnowon]

two years ago i had unprotected sex, got tested  shortly after, postive for herpes igg around 3... i was tested for other stuff no outbreak or symptoms...  i've never had an outbreak in my entire life,  have been celibate since last encounter, got retested now it's ony .91 "equivocal range" is it possible i was exposed, developed antibodies but did contract the virus/disease? could my body have fought it offf if i was exposed to someone who had it?

thanks for the work you do this is a tough issue. girls out there-- use a condom and be careful! it's not worth it

[gracefromHHP]

I'm not at home for the link but if you read the herpes health page here on medhelp that jess and I put together - there's a link to a terrific post by HHH on the std expert page that explains why the igm is worthless for diagnosing herpes in it.

if it's only been 6 weeks you'll need to repeat your igg blood test at the 4 month mark just to make sure.  

grace

[general09]

Thank you so much for the information.  I can't tell you what a weight off my shoulders this is.  

Can you explain why the IgM is unreliable?  What do you recommend for being retested?  Do you think it is necessary?  It has been about 6 weeks since my last sexual encounter.  

[gracefromHHP]

immunofluorescent assay  = ifa

Totally disregard your igm test results. The igm should've never been done on you in the first place.

Your hsv1 igg and hsv2 igg are both negative. If at least 4 months as passed since the last sexual encounter you had you aren't likely to have herpes.

grace