Confusing test results

[Thryon]

So I received a blood test at 17 weeks past exposure and I attached my results to this question. I also took the same test 1 week after exposure and then my igg combined was .69 and igm combined was 1.14. I see both combined results have increased on my latest test, but separately, each hsv igg level are well below 1. What gives? I initially went in to get tested because I noticed what might have been an outbreak a few days after the last time I had intercourse with a new female. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would of had a swab done because it honestly could of been a pimple. I haven’t had issues since either. Can you please shed some light on these results?

[Terri Warren]

The combined IgG test has, in my experience, false positives that are more frequent than the individual type specific tests (i.e., HSV 1 and HSV 2 separately). The IgM should be ignored completely and according to the CDC STD treatment guidelines should not be done at all. Your HSV 2 IgG negative is a little higher than we normally see. This may have absolutely no significance at all and you have waited long enough for an accurate test to be done. It sounds like the change between the two results is not significant either. Have you taken any antiviral medicine?

Terri

[Thryon]

I was prescribed acyclovir 3x a day for 7 days initially. I took the full 21 pill prescription during the first 2 weeks. I refilled the prescription back in January and took about half of the pills during times I thought I was experiencing prodrome symptoms, but I never did have another outbreak. I haven’t taken any antivirals for about 2 months prior to my latest blood work. I feel as if I’m a lot more sensitive to different itches and tingles down there now and immediately jump to the conclusion of it being HSV related. I guess I plan on doing a western blot within the next few weeks just to clear up some answers. My doctor insists that I have it based off of his visual inspection and my igm index values. Just through the different posts on here and other forums, I know, like you stated above, that igm should be disregarded. But I’m curious as to why my numbers increased for both? Do you think that having other herpes viruses like chicken pox would have an effect on it?

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by Thryon.

[Terri Warren]

I think if you were going to do the western blot you should give it another month off meds, just to be sure.
The numbers definitely vary depending on the control value, which varies with each run of testing. That is completely normal and expected. If your values were identical, I would be concerned it happens so rarely.

Terri

[Thryon]

Hello Terri,
Thank you for your prompt responses. They are much appreciated. Just a quick update, I retested through healthcheckusa.com and took an igg test through labcorp at 23 weeks past last exposure. I received a negative result for both hsv1 and hsv2. Result was just >.91, no specific index number was given. So this morning, a week later, I wake up to find 3 small bumps just below the head of my penis. I will attach a picture of a close up. With your experience, does this look like a typical herpes lesion? I feel like I need to take a western blot to clear up my confusion because my last doctor told me I’m experiencing a male yeast infection (I am uncircumcised so I would be more prone to getting one) so I’ve been putting clotrimazole on the whole head. I guess I’m just trying to ask by looking at the picture, does it look like a possible hsv infection and how do I go about setting up a western blot so I can finally have some closure one way or the other?
I also think I’m experiencing symptoms on my tongue. I’ll attach a picture of that as well. Can you weigh in on these pictures with your experience?

Thank you.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 11 months ago by Thryon.

[Thryon]

Results were <0.91 for both hsv1 and 2 igg at 23 weeks. Sorry about that.

[Terri Warren]

This does not look like herpes to me. I’m glad your testing is all negative.

Terri

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