HSV-2 low positive result

[Hopeful_helped]

I recently had sex with this girl twice recently and she tells me she is HSV 2 positive after the 2nd encounter. On 8/3 the condom broke and me immediately stopped. The following night on 8/4 the condom broke again and we stopped. The day after she sends me a long message explaining how she’s HSV 2 positive and how she “legally” doesn’t have to tell me, but also that she forgot she even had it because it’s been months since a breakout.

I make an appointment with my doctor for a full panel STD test on 8/9 because I was borderline depressed checking multiple times a day to see if I have any symptoms which I haven’t see yet. My doc tells me that I don’t have because she doesn’t have any lesions, but I know there is still shedding without outbreaks. I leave the office much feeling better than when I went in. Fast forward to 8/13 I get my results back negative for HSV1 and 1.11 for HSV-2. After researching, I see that it might be a false positive, but as well, I see that the percentages of it being a false positives varies between 20 to 50%. 

I have a few questions:

1. I took a HSV 1 & 2 test in January & May and both came back negative, so why is this one positive now?

2. I know I should have waited longer to test, but if I tested positive does that mean the antibodies are already in my blood?

3. I know the IGG test produce can produce a false positive, but if I was exposed to it doesn’t that mean I have HSV-2?

[Terri Warren]

Your result does not necessarily indicate that you have HSV 2, no. The difference between a negative and positive IgG result can be very tiny and is not meaningful. You should retested when 8-10 weeks have gone by. If you still test positive in the low positive range, get the western blot. Do NOT assume that you acquired HSV 2.

BTW, depending on the state, she may very well be legally required to tell you before having sex

Terri

[Hopeful_helped]

I just spoke to my doctor as a follow up about my previous results, and he said the test I took was a PCR test. Would that definitely mean that I do have it? I see that they are most of the time accurate. I’m still going to retest in 8-10 weeks as you recommended.

[Terri Warren]

That does not make sense to me. It is possible that your doctor erroneously ordered a blood PCR test and that is an error. Herpes is not in the blood and the test would be negative but meaningless. At some point, they must have ordered a traditional IgG test because you got a number result. PCR testing should be reserved for sw and absolutely needs a confirmatory test such as the western blot. PCR should be reserved for swabbing of lesions it is not appropriate for blood testing.

Terri

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