IGG Blood Test

[Nb94]

Hi Terri.

Let me start with a little background information for you.

I was having recurrent eye infections and my Opthalmologist, who seems to be very up to date on herpes ordered a Western Blot test for me to rule out herpes as a cause of my eye infections. Thankfully it did come back negative for HSV1 and 2 even though my doctor wasn’t concerned about type 2. So I do know that I was soundly negative before my encounter.

Now fast forward to about six months later, I did have 2 unprotected oral sex encounters with the same person, who does deny ever having cold sores.

About a month after these encounters, I went to my family doctor and voiced my concern and he said that 4 weeks after the encounter would be enough time passed to do an IGG blood test, I now know this is totally wrong after researching other posts on your site.

Now the test did come back negative and I have had no symptoms orally or genitally and I have been checking fairly consistently.

My question is how likely is that result to stay negative? I do know that it can miss about 30% of infections, so I take that the majority of people who are positive people will show a positive result. I do plan to retest with another IGG and possibly another Western Blot when it’s 12 weeks out from the encounters.

My other question is that if my IGG is negative at 12 weeks, would you suggest I go ahead with the Western Blot as well? And if I ask this partner to get tested and they come back negative on IGG should I let that out my mind at ease some?

Sorry for the length and I will be sure to let my family doctor know that he is incredibly wrong about testing for herpes so he can no longer falsely reassure other patients!

• This topic was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

So with two oral sex encounters only and no genital symptoms, I actually don’t think that further testing is necessary. For the adult who is double negative by western blot to acquire no symptoms with brand new HSV 1 genital infection would be rare, I think. And to acquire HSV 1 at two encounters only also seems very unlikely (though possible). You can, of course, test if you wish but I honestly don’t think your experience requires it.

If your partner does agree to be tested and is negative, even though the test misses 30% of HSV 1, I would feel reassured if I were you.

Terri

[Nb94]

Thanks Terri!

Just a couple more question if you don’t mind and then I think I’ve got everything covered.

I did have a tear around the entrance to my vagina after sex the other night, I’m pretty sure it was trauma from sex, but wanted to rule out a recurrence if genital HSV1. It was a small tear barely noticeable and stung a little after I urinated, but the next day I couldn’t really see it and it didn’t burn anymore when urine hit it. What do you think? It also did t look classical like a blister and I’ve never had a primary outbreak.

And my other question is about canker sores. I get those inside my mouth all the time. Is it common for herpes to happen inside the mouth without visible lesions in the outer lips? Just want to make sure I don’t get canker lesions and herpes lesions confused.

Those are my only other questions. I may choose to get tested after 12 weeks pass, but right now I feel pretty reassured that I’m good.

Also, I’m not concerned about HSV-2 because we lost out virginity to each other and use condoms.

Thank you and if I have any more questions, I’ll be sure to drop by.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

I think it was probably just a tear as it healed so very quickly.
Canker sores are not caused by herpes and herpes rarely recurs clinically inside the mouth

Terri

[Nb94]

Would you mind clarifying what you mean by recurs clinically? Would a primary outbreak happen inside the mouth or would someone have lip lesions as well.

Sorry, I just got a little confused on that part. Thanks again!!

[Nb94]

Terri, I just noticed this cut/tear still hasn’t gone away, upon looking closer it looks longer and closer to vaginal entrance.

I’m think about going to walk in clinic and having it swabbed. I noticed the cut/tear early Saturday morning around 2 or 3. Did I wait to long to have it evaluated?

What kind of swab/tear should I ask for?

The weird thing is that it doesn’t hurt or cause any type of irritation. It kind of almost has a purplish look to it.

And I don’t know if it’s possible since I asked a new question, but can you still answer my previous question as well.

I hope I’m just overreacting to the cut/ tear.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Nb94.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

You could certainly still go in to have it swab tested. You want a PCR (or NAAT) swab vs. a culture – far more sensitive.

Recurring clinically just means a recurrence that is visible (vs. asymptomatic shedding)

Herpes lesions would not normally look purple

This is your final post on this subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

[Nb94]

Hey Terri,

I was able to get the spot swabbed yesterday around 430 PM. The NP said that she didn’t know if the swab was PCR or culture but she said results would be available in a day, so I am going to assume it was a PCR since it was so fast.

Sure enough I got my results at around 1015 this morning and they were negative.

Thank you for letting me know which test was the correct one!

[Terri Warren]

You are most welcome

Terri

[Nb94]

Just out of curiosity, would a primary oral infection follow the same type of timeline as a genital? 2-10 days? And if no symptoms, the likelihood of infection is low?

Would it be rare for an adult to be infected and not have symptoms orally?

[Nb94]

Sorry I forgot to mention that I do have a bump on the roof of my mouth, it doesn’t really hurt, just kind of irritated feeling.

Could this be a cold sore? Could be part of a primary infection even though I don’t have lip lesions?

Sorry to bombard with questions, just a really confusing virus lol

[Terri Warren]

I seriously doubt that a bump on the roof of your both would be a herpes outbreak.

This is your final post on this subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

[Nb94]

Would it also be rare for a truly negative person not to have symptoms if they were infected? I know you said that symptoms were very likely with a new genital infection of HSV1, so I assume the same thing goes for cold sores?

Also, I apologize, this is kind of a stupid question.

I was staying at my cousins last night and took a shower about 45 minutes after her. She does get cold sores frequently and doesn’t have HSV2 to my knowledge. I accidentally used her towel that she dried off with thinking it was mine. She didn’t have a cold sore at the time, but could I have got the virus on my genitals or my face when I dried off with the towel she used to dry her face off with? Would there be any chance of getting HSV2 if she happened to have it? I’m thinking this is no risk but want to be absolutely sure.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, truly negative people don’t have symptoms because they are not infected.
The towel situation presents no real risk for infection. You might be over thinking this a bit.

Terri

[Nb94]

You’re right about th towel situation, I’ve come to realize that I was being a little irrational with that one.

I guess the main thing that I’m concerned about is that I might be one of the few people that didn’t get symptoms with infection. I know this is rare though according to your experience, do you have any data on the percentage of people that don’t actually get symptoms with first time infection?

Also, would a herpes lesion bleed if you scratched it? I had an itchy spot on my labia about a week ago and scratched it and it did bleed, I had a tiny spot that started healing by the next day and was gone by the day after that. I should have gone to get it swab tested but was unable to make it to the doctor. I never developed any symptoms 10 days after the last encounter, so I don’t think this would be herpetic, do you agree?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Nb94.

[Nb94]

To note, I didn’t feel a bump or anything as far as I could tell. It was just a spot that was itching, the itching did subside after it was scratched, despite the bleeding.

[Nb94]

Terri you can actually ignore the last question.

I had my second gynecological exam a few days ago and got tested for STDs just to be safe. I came back negative on everything, including HSV1 and 2, I didn’t even realize that my doctor tested for these withoutnpstient request.

It has now been two months since the last oral sex encounter, again I know that the test can miss some infections, but do you think this might be a true negative for HSV1? I still haven’t decided if I’m going to retest at the 3 month mark.

Now onto my other question, my boyfriend and I have discussed us starting to have unprotected sex. I know he does not have HSV2 because we lost out virginities to each other. However, he did have. Partner before me that performed unprotected oral sex on him, no intercourse. I realize that he could have genital HSV1. This is why I reluctant o have him tested because if he tests positive, we can’t know where the infection is since he hadn’t had any oral or genital symptoms.

Am I risk from acquiring this from him genitally should we begin to have unprotected sex IF he has GHSV1 or is the risk so low and the chances so rare that I really shouldn’t worry about it?

[Terri Warren]

IF he has this genitally, HSV 1 is shed from the genitals rarely. I have yet to see anyone contract HSV 1 from having intercourse – stunning, huh?

I think you should take this off your worry list right now.

This is your final post on this subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

[Nb94]

Wow, that is pretty surprising, I would have figured you would have seen at least a few cases of it. But that does help to put my mind at ease about it.

I apologize for the length, but I have a few more question if you don’t mind.

* I wanted to know your opinion on me testing negative two months after the last oral sex exposure. I know that the test does miss infections, but given my past negative by WB, do you think this a good sign pointing to me not being infected? I might get retested at the three month mark, but I feel like I am truly still negative, do you agree?

* How often does genital HSV1 shed?

* If someone is infected orally, how long should would it take to build an immunity to protect from acquiring the same infection genitally?

* How often does genital HSV1 shed? Does that percentage continue to get smaller as well, the longer someone has it or does it stay at the same percentage regardless?

Thanks for all the information, I really can’t believe that so many providers don’t know more about herpes.

[Terri Warren]

You can test again at 2 months, sure. If positive at >3, you should be concerned. GEnital HSV 1 shed on about 5% of days measured by PCR.
It takes about 4 months to build immunity to protect against getting infection at a new location
I answered about how often HSV 1 sheds genitally and it does decrease in frequency for most people, yes.

Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.

[Nb94]

Sorry, I don’t think I was clear enough about testing at two months.

My gynecologist tested me for HSV1 and 2, and it came back negative. This was two months post oral sex exposure. I didn’t known that they would test for this without me asking.

Anyways, I was just wanting to know if me testing negative at 2 months is a good sign. Again, I do know that this test misses some infections, so it’s not 100%.

I think I am still truly negative and the tests supports the evidence since I haven’t had any symptoms? Do you agree?

[Nb94]

Sorry, in addition to my last question, can you clarify what you mean by “positive at >3?”

[Terri Warren]

3 is the cut off for false positives, that’s why I mentioned that number.
It is a good sign that you tested negative add two months, yes, but this is not yet definitive,but a good sign.

Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.

[Nb94]

We are still talking about HSV1 right?

The only reason I ask is because I’ve seen on here where there are issues for false positives on HSV2, but I wasn’t aware that was an issue with HSV1.

Other than that, I don’t think I have any more questions. Thank you for taking your time to help me.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, we are talking about HSV 1. Everyone in our study who tested at values greater than 3.0 confirmed by western blot, for HSV 1

Terri

[Nb94]

Do you generally see a lot of people who are negative at 8 weeks, be positive at 12 weeks for HSV1?

[Terri Warren]

I do not. But I certainly see people who are HSV 1 negative by IgG and positive by western blot

This is your final post on this subscription.

Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.

[Nb94]

In your opinion, even though the test misses some infections, do you think that this negative for HSV1 is likely a true negative based on my lack of symptoms and only two oral sex encounters. I also wanted to add that both of the oral sex encounters were less than 5 minutes.

At this point, would you recommend that I retest with the Western Blot, or do you think it’s not needed?

Also, I’ve had a spot under my lower gun line that is oval shaped and white. At first I though it was just a canker sore as I normally get those, but this particular spot has become incredibly painful. It has yet to ulcerated or anything and had remain unchanged, does this sound like a cold sore inside the mouth? Wouldn’t a cold sore in the mouth ulcerate as well?

[Terri Warren]

I cannot help with the decision on whether to get the blot or not – if you want an accurate test for HSV 1, this is it – the IgG misses a third of infections. If you really want to know if you are infected, get it.
HSV 1 orally rare occurs inside the mouth. If you have a question about whether this is herpes or not, get a swab test done of it.

Terri

[Nb94]

I saw a doctor yesterday about the spot yesterday. He wouldn’t swab it because he said he knew it wasn’t herpes, he diagnosed it as an apthous ulcer.

Do you think it’s good that I had an in person evaluation and they didn’t believe it to be herpes?

I’m sorry to about the all the questions, I really don’t want to annoy you or anything.

[Terri Warren]

I do believe that is good, yes.

Terri

[Nb94]

Do herpes lesions normally bleed if they are scratched?

If someone thinks they might have a lesion and has to use a flashlight and mirror to see the suspected lesion, is it still likely to be herpes? Or would lesions be noticeable without having to use something to see it better?

[Terri Warren]

Herpes lesions do not normally bleed but I guess if you scratched the skin, most anything might bleed.
If you have to use a flashlight or magnifying glass, it is not normally herpes, no.
This is your final post on this subscription.

Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Terri Warren.

[Nb94]

I renewed for a couple more questions.

The reason why I ask about bleeding lesions is because at one point I had an itchy spot on my labia, I didn’t feel a bump or anything. I scratched it it bled a little and there was a small spot that I could only see if I looked at with a flashlight and mirror. It went away in about 2 days. Does this sound herpetic to you? I wasn’t able to get into the doctor to have it swabbed. It was well after 10 days from my last oral sex encounter. I’m thinking it was just a normal itching sensation and I just scratched it to hard, but I just want your opinion.

Also. I have seen where you don’t have statistics on when people seroconvert for HSV1, but would it likely be along the same lines as HSV2, like if most people would be seroconverted by 8-9 weeks, would it be likely the same for HSV1, assuming that the test doesn’t miss their infection? As I stated earlier, I was negative at 8 weeks with no classic symptoms.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

The seroconversions times would be about the same yes. The vast majority of people seroconvert by 12 weeks. But remember that the IgG test misses 30% of HSV 1 infections compared to the western blot.

It the itching is unlikely to be herpes but obviously can’t say for sure, sorry.

Terri

[Nb94]

Sorry I just have a few more questions about the spot on my labia.

1. So the spot was there well after 10 days from the last oral sex encounter, a month, give or take a few days. I never had symptoms within 10 days and I was checking. So this would have to be a primary outbreak, which would e extremely unlikely given the timeline, correct?

2. Does the fact that it healed so quickly make it less likely to herpes as well. By the next day it had started to heal up and the second day it was completely gone.

[Nb94]

Hey Terri, you can actually disregard this question. We talked earlier today. Thank you for your help.

[Terri Warren]

OK

Terri

[Nb94]

Just out of curiosity, how accurate would a negative test be at 8 weeks? Assuming no infection was missed.

[Terri Warren]

You are out of questions.

[Nb94]

Sorry I didn’t realize that I ran out.

I renewed for some more

[Terri Warren]

An antibody test at 8 weeks should pick up probably 80% of HSV 2 infections. We don’t have data on it’s ability to pick up HSV 1 at 8 weeks after exposure.

[Nb94]

I figured there probably wasn’t any data on Type 1, but you do believe that sercoversion times would be about the same?

[Terri Warren]

I do.

Terri

[Nb94]

So, assuming that the test did not miss an infection, it would be likely that if I were infected with HSV1 that the test would have picked it up at 8 weeks?

[Nb94]

Just wanted to let you know that I tested negative at the 12 week mark. I might still do the WB down the road, but the negative result reassured me. Do you think this is a good sign?

[Nb94]

Also wanted to add that I still have yet to have any classic symptoms!

[Nb94]

Sorry for all the posts Terri, I paid again because I wanted to give a condensed post so my info isn’t all over the place.

* I received negative results for HSV1 and HSV2, though I was only worried about HSV1. I sent the test off around Feb 22-23 and received the results about 5 days later.

* I had 2 unprotected oral sex encounters after the WB and received negative results at 8 and 12 weeks for HSV1.

* I know that the test for HSV1 misses some infections, but do you think that negative results on the igg and my previous results on the WB along with a lack of symptoms is a good sign?

* I still might do the WB for extra peace of mind. I know you can’t tell me what I should or should not do, but if you were in my situation with a negative WB and only two unprotected oral sex encounters after that WB and no symptoms would you feel the need to get a second WB? Or would you feel pretty reassured that you were not infected? Again I know you can’t tell me what to do but I think it would be nice just to see what you would do given your immense knowledge on the subject.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by Nb94.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by Nb94.

[Nb94]

Sorry, I received negative results on the WB in February, I realized I didn’t mention that in my first bullet.

[Terri Warren]

My feeling about testing is that if the blot can provide you peace of mind, use it.

Terri

[Nb94]

The thing is, is that I can’t really afford the blot right now as much as I’d like to get it. I do want to get it down the line when I have enough money saved up.

I felt a little relieved to receive negative results on my IGG, coupled with the fact that I had already had a negative WB.

Do you think it’s wrong of me of to at least feel a little be reassured, at least until I can save up enough money for the blot?

[Terri Warren]

No, you should feel reassured!

Terri

[Nb94]

Thank you Terri! Hearing it from you makes me feel better as well.

Hopefully soon I’ll have enough money to get the Blot and get greater reassurance as well.

[Terri Warren]

OK

Terri

[Nb94]

I’m not sure if I have a question left or not, please let me know if I need to pay.

So my boyfriend did agreed to get an IGG blood test.

We had oral sex about 9 days ago and I finally broke down and discuses my fears with him. He is being very understanding.

1. I was actually doing quite fine and not worrying about the encounter but yesterday I had a bump on my inner though. I stupidly popped it and a bunch of blood came out. Today it still seems to be a little raised with a small scab on top from what I’m guessing is dried blood. Does this sound herpetic? Would primary outbreak show up here?

2. If my boyfriend tests negative, should I feel reassured? I know that the test misses some infection, but we have been engaging in oral sex for a while, and to my knowledge I’ve never been infected and have had a negative Western Blot, would this also point to him not being infected?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 2 months ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

You are apparently not changing the number of questions asked on the request for renewals. This site allows 3 posts for each $20. You have posted 33 questions – you should have paid $220. Please check your records and until you have paid this amount, I will not be answering any more questions. Thanks

Terri

[Nb94]

I think I got it fixed. I copy my question for you to read.

So my boyfriend did agreed to get an IGG blood test.

We had oral sex about 9 days ago and I finally broke down and discuses my fears with him. He is being very understanding.

1. I was actually doing quite fine and not worrying about the encounter but yesterday I had a bump on my inner though. I stupidly popped it and a bunch of blood came out. Today it still seems to be a little raised with a small scab on top from what I’m guessing is dried blood. Does this sound herpetic? Would primary outbreak show up here?

2. If my boyfriend tests negative, should I feel reassured? I know that the test misses some infection, but we have been engaging in oral sex for a while, and to my knowledge I’ve never been infected and have had a negative Western Blot, would this also point to him not being infected?

3. I ended up going to the urgent care and two nurses looked at it as said it was folliculitis. There is kind of a hard bump left there. It never really turned into an ulcer from what I saw it always stayed somewhat raised. Do you agree that its folliculitis?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 2 months ago by Nb94.

[Nb94]

So last night I had a bump on my labia, I couldn’t tell if it was just a raised area of skin or a bubble looking kind of thing. It itched so I gently scratched it and it started to bleed. It is no longer raised and that’s what makes me concerned that it was a blister.

I put some Neosporin on it so it wouldn’t get infected, and it seems to be almost gone by today, maybe a little area of pinkness and kind of tender.

I’m thinking since it healed so fast that it isn’t herpes, but I’m afraid the Neosporin might be the reasons it’s healing so fast. Would Neosporin have any effect on herpes lesions in regards to healing them?

[Nb94]

Terri, I purchased some ore questions because I have some updates.

I had the lesion swabbed and it came back negative for HSV1 and 2. When I asked what swab it was, they said PCR. I went to the urgent care Friday evening and got my results this morning at 10 am. I just have a few questions regarding the swab.

1. I had been putting Neosporin on it just to help with the discomfort and make sure that it didn’t get infected. I know Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment, so there would be no way that it would impact the PCR swab, correct? I read something from Dr. Hansfield stating that Neosporin would do nothing to the herpes virus and it’s only function would to help make the lesions feel better, I just want to see if you agree since you are the herpes expert.

2. The PA highly doubted that it was herpes, but did the swab for peace of mind, I am thankful that she was correct. However, she was concerned about bacteria and also did a bacterial swab, I am afraid that the Neosporin would have an effect on that since it’s an antibiotic ointment, your thoughts?

I’m sorry for all the questions, just had some updates before you were able to get to the other ones lol. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer!

[Terri Warren]

1. I had been putting Neosporin on it just to help with the discomfort and make sure that it didn’t get infected. I know Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment, so there would be no way that it would impact the PCR swab, correct? I read something from Dr. Hansfield stating that Neosporin would do nothing to the herpes virus and it’s only function would to help make the lesions feel better, I just want to see if you agree since you are the herpes expert.

I would agree that the neosporin would not impact a herpes swab test.

2. The PA highly doubted that it was herpes, but did the swab for peace of mind, I am thankful that she was correct. However, she was concerned about bacteria and also did a bacterial swab, I am afraid that the Neosporin would have an effect on that since it’s an antibiotic ointment, your thoughts?

I think you should feel reassured that your partner tests negative, yes.

Terri

The neosporin could have an impact on a bacterial culture, correct.

[Nb94]

Sorry, I just want to clarify one more thing. If I had put a little bit of neosporin on it before I got the swab could that have scewed the results? Like maybe there was to much neosporin and the swab wasn’t able to pick up the virus on the skin? I hope that makes sense, let me know if I need to explain better.

I honestly can’t even remember if I put any on, but it would have been at least an hour before I got the swab done because the urgent care is about 20-30 minutes away plus the time I waited to be seen, so I would think that some of it would have rubbed off from the fabric of my clothes from me walking around correct?

Sorry if this is redundant, just need a little clarification.

[Nb94]

In addition to the above, I also wanted to addto add that it seemed like the swabbed pretty vigorously which I figure would aid in picking up virus even if I had some Neisporin left on my skin.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by Nb94.

[Terri Warren]

I’m not concerned about the application of neosporin impacting swab test results for HSV, no
I’m going to close out this thread now.

Terri

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