False positive concern

[Hopeful5]

Hi Terri,

I started seeing a new guy long distance (another country) back in June. I traveled to see him in mid June then again mid july. We became sexual during this time oral and vaginal sex. About two days after the second time I visited in July I got very sick with a fever and it felt like the flu. I got home and developed several pimple like painful bumps on my vagina. I asked him if he knew he had anything and he said he was developing a mouth cold sore while I was there and that he was very sorry for not telling me. He told me he suffers from constant cold sores. I was sure I had contracted ghsv1 as i know it almost always causes a primary outbreak, but i never went to the doctor maybe due to fear and denial. I finally had the courage to get a blood test on august 21st (almost 7 weeks past initial outbreak) and these were my results from labcorp.

August 21st

HSV1 IGG- 1.70
HSV2 IGg- 1.44

They then recommended confirmatory assay testing from quest so I went in the next day after first test. This was the result from the quest assay confirmatory test

August 22nd

HSV2 IGG Inhibition IA -1.35
88.6 H positive

My question is, do you think there is a chance my hsv2 result is a false positive since the results are so low and the index went down the second time I tested. Also, I only waited a day to get retested. I ask because clearly I am newly Infected with HSV1 as my results show positive for 1.70. So what are the odds of cross reactivity considering I am newly Infected with HSV1 and my partner admitting to having a mouth cold sore at the time. What do you think? should I do the WB?

I am hopeful it’s the 1 and not 2 because I know it’s less aggressive and harder to transmit. Thank you so much for your time.

[Hopeful5]

Hi Terri, not sure if you missed my question. But also, do I have to get wait 12 weeks after exposure or can I get the western blot now?

[Terri Warren]

Is it bad that you were not seen because you would’ve had a swab test and you would not need to wonder about this. You don’t mention whether the intercourse that you had with this partner was protected or unprotected but if you could let me know, that would help me to answer your question. I think a western blot is in order it will tell you about both HSV-1 and HSV-2. With such a low HSV-2 index value, I do worry about false positive inhibition assay but your answer to my question about condom use will help me to understand this better. You do need to wait 12 weeks to get a western blot. We have a false positive inhibition asses as compared to negative western blot tests.

Terri

[Hopeful5]

Hi Terri!

Thank you so much for your response. Yes it was unprotected

[Hopeful5]

I know, I should have done the swab test. I truly regret that now. I was so afraid, couldn’t face it yet.

[Terri Warren]

well, it is what it is, right?

Terri

[Hopeful5]

Yes unfortunately, but as I said before he was developing and cold sore and I’m hoping it’s just the 1 and not the two. I still haven’t had a second outbreak which leads me to believe the hsv2 result might in fact be a false positive. How do I go about getting the WB with you?

[Terri Warren]

I can help you with that. You make an appointment on this website – follow the link to evisit. I can help you with the entire process of getting the western blot

Terri

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