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[Inquisitive]

Terri,

I have been going to my current doctor for four years. I get a full STD/STI screening each year. I have never tested positive for any STD or STI. Last year was the first year my doctor’s office used EMRs so I was able to see my results. Last year, I was given the HSV type 1 and 2 IgM test which came back negative. This year I was given the same test, which came back negative. I was also given an IgG test for HSV 2, which came back positive with an index of 1.14. I asked my doctor to explain why I was never given the IgG before and she said that it is possible that my insurance just began to cover it. I’m not sure about that answer. Anyway, I have never had a symptom of any kind. I have been dating my boyfriend since April 2015 and he has HSV type 1.

I really hate that I didn’t research IgM testing last year and realize that it really isn’t effective if you are a) symptom free and b) were not recently exposed.

I read that HSV type 1 antibodies can cross react and result in a false positive for HSV 2. I’ve also read that IgG for HSV type 2 can be faulty, particularly with a low index.

I’d like to get the Western blot. Will that test for both types? Also, my doctor’s office uses LabCorp and I know they don’t do Western blot testing. How do you suggest I go about getting the testing done?

Thanks in advance.

[Terri Warren]

We can order the test for you through our clinic services, easily. There is an 85% chance that you will test negative. I seriously doubt that the “insurance” explanation as we have never ever had that issue. I’m wondering if she just didn’t know which test to order appropriately?

Terri

[Inquisitive]

Terri,

Thank you so much for the speedy response. When we discussed my IgG results this year, she seemed to understand that IgM was for recent infection and IgG for past exposure; you may be correct in that she may have only recently become aware of the appropriate testing. I have read quite a few of your articles and you seem to be dead on in that some doctors don’t know about the likelihood of false positives for HSV 2.

So is there paperwork I need to fill out as far as to get your clinic to order the test for me? Also, would you send the test to my doctor to have that office retest me with the Western blot or could you send it to say a local Quest labs of my choosing? I guess I’m asking if you recommend the next stage of testing with my doctor or with another doctor? This is the first time I’ve taken issue with any of her testing methods…but maybe because HSV testing is not cut and dry like testing for other STDS and STIs.

[Terri Warren]

The IgM=IgG thing for new and older infection is true for many infectious diseases, just not as clear cut or helpful with herpes.
With the western blot with us you would make a phone consultation appointment (think I have a couple openings tomorrow), then we order it to be drawn at a Quest lab near you and shipped to UW. Herpes testing is NOT as clear cut as testing for other diseases, particularly if you don’t know the details of how to do it correctly.

Terri

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