HSV1 False Positive

[hasharah]

Hello,

I have seen several articles discussing the possibility of a false positive result for HSV-2 when index values are below 3.5. I am wondering what is the possibility of a false positive for HSV-1?

Six months ago, when I first tested for HSV-1 during routine blood screening, the HSV-1 IgG levels were 1.3. I recently retested and the IgG levels were at 2.83. I have never had a cold sore, and have lived a generally conservative lifestyle as regards intimacy, drinking from the same cup, or eating from the same bowl as someone else. I suspect that this is a false positive, and I intend to follow up by taking the Western Blot test.

Have false positives been reported for HSV-1 IgG tests? If so, what is the index value range in which false positives for HSV-1 occur?

Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

Yes, false positives have been documented with HSV 1 on ELISA compared to western blot. Some have been in my own office. I think that is far less likely to happen when then index value has reached 3 and you are getting there. A western blot would clarify that, yes. Our office can order that you for you to be drawn at a lab where you live or work. Let us know if we can help.

Terri

[sh1234]

If a person reaches an index value of 3 and higher does the western blot test still have the ability to determine a false positive / if a person reaches an index value of 3 or higher is it automatically determined that the person is positive? Should a person assume if they are HSV1 negative their index level will not continue to rise? I will call to order the test. Thanks

[Terri Warren]

The western blot has the ability to determine whether a person has HSV 1 or HSV 2 at an index value – it doesn’t matter what the index value is, the western blot is a totally different test, not dependent upon the ELISA in any way. The index values can vary from draw to draw, normally.

Terri

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