HSV-1 & 2 Low Positives

[Oranges2468]

I got a full STD panel done 5 months after I had gotten a yeast infection just to make sure I was clean of STDs. I got back low positives for both HSV1 & 2. Those numbers are (Not sure the name of test that was provided):
HSV-1 IGG: 1.1 (positive is .9 and above)
HSV-2 IGG: 1.3 (positive is 1.09 and above)

Knowing that there are possibilities of having false positives on these tests I was retested a month later. Those results are (Labcorp):
HSV-1 IGG: 1.13 (positive is .9 and above)
HSV-2 IGG: 1.33 (positive is 1.09 and above)

Since my retested values are basically the same numbers only rose by .03 for both HSV-1&2. I’m still in the gray zone of maybe I have it maybe I don’t. I find it strange that both of my values are only .2 above the cut off of positive and that they did not rise significantly after a month. I have never had any kind of outbreak and it’s been almost 8 months since my initial test. Is there a chance that these are both false positive or the HSV-2 is a false positive? Should I confirm with the Western Blot or just accept it?

[Terri Warren]

Yes, there is a chance that they are both false positives. Another possibility is that you are strongly positive for HSV 1 and it is “dribbling” over into the HSV 2 test, but the screening test is not reflecting the true index value of the HSV 1 because it isn’t a great test for HSV 1.

So have you had any sexual contacts recently that might suggest that you are in the process of making new antibody? If it has been four months since your last contact, you can do the western blot now and you definitely should do the western blot! There is an 85% chance, at your index value, that it is a false positive.

We can order that western blot for you to be drawn at a Quest lab near you and shipped to the University of Washington. Do NOT just accept it!

Terri

[Oranges2468]

No sexual contact in the last 4 months that would suggest I am still creating antibodies. When I found out I had tested positive, my partner was also tested and their results are negative. I had no idea the HSV-1 test could be inaccurate as well.

I’ve read in other posts where people’s index values fluctuate. Is it strange that mine are basically the exact same? Is it also possible that I have had HSV-1 and 2 for a long time and my numbers are low because of that?

Also, do you know what an average fluctuation of antibodies would be after an outbreak? I would be very greatful to get a Western Blot drawn. What is the process to have that setup through were you are and be drawn where I am located?

Thanks

[Terri Warren]

OK, if there is no possibility that you are in the process of making new antibody (seroconversion), then you can do a western blot now.

It is interesting that you antibody test are so clearly the same. I’ve not really seen that exact thing before. Usually there is some small variation at least.

The low value could be because you’ve had it a long time but statistically, it is more likely a false positive.

Outbreaks have nothing to do with antibody fluctuation.

We can set up the testing for you at a Quest lab near you. We need to have you speak with us for about 10 minutes to gather some information and then we will order the test to be drawn.

Let us know if we can help you.

Terri

[Oranges2468]

If anybody has gotten to the depths of this forum and are going through the same thing I went through, I’m here to post that my HSV2 results are negative and HSV1 is indeterminate. I have done my fair share of scouring the internet trying to find hope and answers and usually people who are in the really low positives like I am never post their Western Blot results. So, there they are.

Terri what you do at this clinic is truly amazing. Without this clinic, I would be living my life believing that I have the virus when in fact I don’t. Thanks Westover Heights!

[Terri Warren]

How sweet of you to post these results. I know it will give others hope and will spur others on to get western blot testing to clarify their test results.

Terri

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