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.
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
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