IGG false negative

[Dogbounty]

Hi there, I was wondering what the probability is for a false negative result with an IGG blood test at 13 weeks after initial symptoms. I had symptoms 36 hrs after a sexual encounter but was unable to get the lesions swabbed before they healed two weeks later, as it was during the holidays. I did a IGG blood test 13 weeks later and tested negative for HSV 1 and 2. I’m wondering wether I should get another IGG test at 16 weeks, or even a western blot test. Or should I accept these results unless I have lesions again. I’m also curious if you know the data for percentages of false negatives at the 13 week mark and even the 16 week mark and beyond.

Thank you

[Terri Warren]

So at about 13 weeks, the IgG misses about 8% of HSV 2 and 30% of HSV 1, compared to the western blot. I doubt that testing with the IgG again at 16 weeks will add useful information. If you want a better test, yes, do the western blot. I would actually encourage this since you had sores that lasted two weeks in the genital area.

Terri

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