Confusing Results

[forum1234]

The first time I had an HSV1 test, back in 2007 or so, it showed up as positive, always with very low numbers IGG 1.00 range. Every time since then I have tested, numbers come back 1.

I got divorced in 2018, and had several partners from 2017 to 2018 (all male, all protected except for 1).

I took STD tests regularly, from MyLabBox during this time period. From September 2018, I have been monogamous with 1 person. In February 2021, my MyLabBox results cam back negative for HSV2. In July 2021, they were positive for HSV2. However, MyLabBox does not provide any IGG numbers. I then took a test with LetsGetChecked in fall 2021, and the HSV2 IGG was negative. Partner tested negative as well in July 2021.

In December 2022, my partner cheated on me. In January 2023, I took another test, and my results for HSV2 were IGG 2.05, HSV1 was 1.6. They did a HSV2 IGG Inhibition, IA, which confirmed the positive.

My partner just tested again, in March 2023, and he is still negative for HSV2.

I am so confused–where do I go from here? All of this was by blood test, never any swab tests.

[Terri Warren]

I don’t have much confidence in the test from my lab box. It is also possible that you have a false positive inhibition assay. We now have four or five of those that I have seen where the innovation essay is positive in the western blot is negative. I would encourage you to do the western blot to sort out what’s actually going on here. If your partner is negative, the risk of a false positive is higher. I think the western blot is what you should do for clarity. We have seen four or five false positive inhibition assay tests. That is, the inhibition essay is positive, but the western blot, consider the gold standard, is negative.
You can call the University of Washington to have them send you a western blot kit. Their phone number is 206-685-6066. You can work with your own provider to get this blood drawn or you can work with me. Your situation is confusing, and I think you really need some clarity.

Terri

[Author]

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