Hsv testing

[Summer77]

I had my first ever cold sore several years ago, which was on my genitals after receiving oral sex from someone with a developing cold sore. Because of the oral to genital transmission I assumed it was hsv1. I experienced outbreaks often which lessened over time. 7 months ago I had an IgG test which was negative for hsv1 and positive for hsv2. There were no index values with the results, just positive and negative. At the time of testing I had been on daily acyclovir for 2 months.

What are the chances that the test is inaccurate and it is hsv1?
Should I get a western blot?

[Terri Warren]

The IgG test misses 30% of HSV 1 infection and there are certainly false positives for HSV 2. In your situation I would certainly recommend the western blot. I’m assuming no swab testing was done of the lesion at the time it was present?

Terri

[Summer77]

I had a swab test but it was done towards the end of the outbreak when the sore had dried some. It was negative. Doctor said I waited too long.

[Terri Warren]

the thing is, you reported several outbreaks and that’s not consistent with genital HSV 1. I still think you need a western blot

Terri

[Author]

Posts