Herpes testing IGG Accuracy

[Dazedconfuzed]

Hello Terri,

Just want to say thank you for what you do. Finding information on this topic is extremely difficult and confusing so thank you for being a resource.

So I had a rash which included open sores in the genital region about a year ago November 2019. I went to the doctor but it had already started to heal. I had a rash again in January 2020 and then a really bad one in April 2020 (a few days after a laser hair removal appointment). I went to a doctor in January 2020 again and was told it’s just a rash (even though I had open cuts). There was what seemed to be a white hallow around the entirety of the rash which the doctor said points to a yeast infection. My issue is the reoccurring of the rash and that I had some of the symptoms which accompany herpes.

I did 2 home STD test in June 2020. Through let’s get checked. One is a complete 10 which checks for herpes shedding in urine via PCR and a herpes blood IGG test (DiaSorin LIAISON HSV-1 and HSV – 2 type specific IgG assays). Both came back negative (urine pcr and igg). I did have Bacterial vaginosis which I received treatment for and ureplasma.

I did another pcr urine and IGG via let’s get checked in September- also came back negative.

I did another igg test through my doctor (same test as listed above) in October. Also came back negative.

Then I did 2 more IGG home tests via let’s get checked both in November which also came back negative.

I just submitted another and I am waiting on the results.

My question is should I accept these results or keep on trying? I have read that 30% of HSV1 can be missed via IGG tests but was unable to locate if this is a specific IGG brand test which misses 30% or if it is all that miss 30% of HSV1. (Example herpesselect, liaison etc.)

I have been take lysine since august 2020 as well as some other supplements which are supposed to suppress it.

I’ve been told by doctor he does not believe I have it but I want to be positive I don’t.

Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

All the IgG tests miss 30% of HSV 1 infections compared to the gold standard western blot. So it could be that. The IgG test also misses 8% of HSV 2 infections.
Have you ever seen a health care provider when you had the open sores that you described above? Open sores in the genital area is very worrisome to me, in terms of herpes. Few things cause open sores in the genital area. I assume that you’ve been tested also for syphilis?
I don’t think if you decided to do a western blot for greater clarity that the Lysine would have any impact on the testing.

Terri

• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[Dazedconfuzed]

Hi Terri,

Thank you for your response. I attempted to when I had the open sores but couldn’t get in in time. I had images which I showed the doctor and he said they didnt look like herpes. He thought it looked more like contact dermatitis or yeast infection. With covid it has been even more difficult to see doctors.

How worried should I be about HSV2?

My western blot test is being processed. It was delivered to the university last week on Wednesday so waiting For the results.

My results so far for IGG have been:

November 17 2020
Hsv 1- 0.192
Hsv 2- <0.500

October 15 2020
Hsv 1- 0.210
Hsv 2- <0.500

October 6 2020
Hsv 1- 0.238
Hsv 2- <0.500

July 27 2020
Hsv 1- 0.194
Hsv 2- <0.500

How accurate is the herpes PCR urine test?

Thank you,
Casey

[Terri Warren]

All of your antibody tests so far as negative. I think you can be reassured with 92% certainty that you don’t have HSV 2 and 70% certainty for HSV 1.

Terri

[Dazedconfuzed]

Hello Terri,

Western blot came back negative for both HSV1 and HSV2.

Additional IGG test came back negative for both. HSV 1 reported as 0.21 and HSV2 reported as <0.500.

At this point- am I in the clear?

What are the chances that the IGG and Western Blot are all false negatives? Along with the two DNA PCR tests?

Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, you are in the clear! Good job finding the best antibody test with the herpes western blot. Move on now.

Terri

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