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accurate herpes test?
Doctor,
I was recently diagnosed with HSV2 with an HSV2 IGG test. I wasn't tested for HSV1. My results were 3.3 but at the bottom of my page it says that coinfection with HSV 1 cannot be excluded. The tests were done by LabCorp and all they can tell me was that chemi luminescent was the method. I've read that LabCorp doesn't offer the HerpeSelect unless requested, so I'm not sure which test was used. Can you tell me if this is an accurate test and do you think I should be retested if coinfection is possible? I'm just confused. Thanks for your time.
I was recently diagnosed with HSV2 with an HSV2 IGG test. I wasn't tested for HSV1. My results were 3.3 but at the bottom of my page it says that coinfection with HSV 1 cannot be excluded. The tests were done by LabCorp and all they can tell me was that chemi luminescent was the method. I've read that LabCorp doesn't offer the HerpeSelect unless requested, so I'm not sure which test was used. Can you tell me if this is an accurate test and do you think I should be retested if coinfection is possible? I'm just confused. Thanks for your time.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The result you describe sounds like it was HerpeSelect. To my knowledge, no other HSV blood test reports the result as a numerical value in the range of 0-6, such as 3.3. Contrary to what you have read, I am under the impression that LabCorps now does HerpeSelect routinely.
The reason HSV-1 can't be excluded probably is that the HerpeSelect HSV-1 test wasn't done. Your result shows you have HSV-2. Knowing whether or not you also have HSV-1 isn't likely to make any difference to your health or that of your current or future sex partne(s)--and the odds are good you have HSV-1, since at least half the population does. But if you're curious and want to spend the money, you could request the HSV-1 test.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
The reason HSV-1 can't be excluded probably is that the HerpeSelect HSV-1 test wasn't done. Your result shows you have HSV-2. Knowing whether or not you also have HSV-1 isn't likely to make any difference to your health or that of your current or future sex partne(s)--and the odds are good you have HSV-1, since at least half the population does. But if you're curious and want to spend the money, you could request the HSV-1 test.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
I meant to add that I am unaware of any HSV tests based on chemiluminscence. The HerpeSelect number is an optical density ratio; a chemical reaction produces a color change that is detected by shining light of a specified wavelength through the specimen to a detector. You can understand how some lab tech or other person with a little scientific knowledge, but not enough, might equate that with chemiluminescence.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Thank you for replying so quickly. I suppose finding out if I have HSV1 is of no importance. I am married and my husband hasn't been tested yet, but he doesn't see this a being a major problem..but I was just surprised by the results as I've never had an obvious outbreak. With all the research I have done, I know that it is more normal to not know you have it, than to know you do. Either one of us could have had this for years.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
