Igg scores and Western Blot

[Clutch1234]

Hi Terri,

I asked for an impromptu herpes test 3 weeks ago because I dated a ghsv2 positive women last year for about 6 months (we broke up 6 months ago). We used a condom for all of 3 times. I never had a OB and she had only ever had one OB on her first one about 2 years prior.

The women I have been seeing recently told me that before we got sexual to get a test because I had been with someone who was positive prior so I said yes.

I got my results back and got a 2.9 HSV1 IGG score and a 1.3 HSV2 IGG score.. I read the herpes reddit post about the closer to 1.28 the closer it is to a false positive. I got another igg score which hopefully ill find out more about tomorrow when the results are in. If I get another low unit count iGG then i will opt for Western Blot. The issue is that I live in Canada. I have spoken to UW and they are willing to send me a kit and then I work with getting blood up here and sneding it back, etc – a bit of a process.

What do you think about my situation and scores and what would happen if I get a slightly higher IGG HSV2 score?

Would you be able to help me coordinate with a Canadian western blot or is my current path the best one?

Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

Your index value is in the low positive range for sure, and I would guess that there is an 85-90% chance, or better, that this is a false positive result. But the western blot is by far the most accurate test and if UW can get you the kit, then I think you should do it for greater clarity. A slightly higher score is not a big deal. And I could definitely help you obtain the blot – we would need to do a video conference to get this accomplished.

Terri

[Clutch1234]

Thanks Terri.

I have reached out to UW and they have given me the instructions. I got my shipping labels from DHL and have emailed UW.

Do you have a clinic in Vancouver that you have worked with in the past? I am not trying to avoid your services – its just that this is already becoming expensive with the shipping and then fees to the UW as well.

I am hopeful the clinic I work with will be able to coordinate the samples.

[Terri Warren]

I’m sorry, I don’t have a clinic in Vancouver that I work with but you should be able to work with your own provider to get the order approved and written and sent back to UW with your insurance information. Or you could pop up to Seattle and just do the blood draw there.

If you did it through me and went up to UW to get the blood draw, the total cost would be $325. No blood draw fee and no shipping. But someone needs to order the test for you, this isn’t one you can order yourself.

Terri

[Clutch1234]

Thanks Terri.

I was able to coordinate to Life Labs here in Vancouver. They typically do not do international testing for tests that they also provide (igg) but I spoke to a few people and explained to them about the false positives which has allowed me to coordinate western blot. I am waiting for a final confirmation with UW but it is looking good.

I am also preparing for a life with HSV1+2 if I do get positive…Outside of the Western Blot and since I have one question left..What are the odds that I have both HSV1+2 with zero symptoms…a lot of my non-belief of this whole situation is that I have never experienced either.

[Terri Warren]

Do you have your blot results back yet? I would be surprised but not shocked if you are positive for both, but I”m betting positive for HSV 1 and negative for HSV 2.

Terri

[Clutch1234]

UW got my bloodwork on Tuesday afternoon so I am assuming 2-3 weeks from then. Happy to get back with the results. Also, I was able to forge a path with getting a Western Blot coordinated from Canada. Feel free to email me and I can let you know how you can walk through other Canadians.

You saying surprised but shocked does not make me feel any better :'( – no symptoms on anything but potential + to both. What a world.

[Terri Warren]

Sorry it doesn’t make you feel better – I’ ve just seen a few low positives confirm but not often
yes, the UW has a new thing they do where you can order a prepaid shipping label from UW to you and send it to them and they will send you the blot kit and then you can arrange a blood draw in your area. is that how you were doing it?

Are you saying that someone with LifeLabs ordered the test for you? I’d love that contact info, yes

Terri

[Clutch1234]

Correct.

I have your personal email from your previous outreach to me. Ill ping you.

[Terri Warren]

thanks for that!

Terri

[Clutch1234]

Hi Terri –

I got my test results back on the WB. Positive for HSV1 and Indeterminate for HSV2. I spoke to a women at UW and she said that if I have never had any symptoms or outbreaks that moving forward I don’t need to disclose that I got an indeterminate.

She also said that if I wait the asked time ~3 months and then do another WB that if I get indeterminate it almost guarantees a negative. She said when you have HSV1 sometimes this messes with the reading.

What are your thoughts.. What are the odds that I have HSV2 with this indeterminate? Any advice would be helpful.

One hand I want to just move on with my life and the other I want to abstain from sex for 3 months and do another one.

[Terri Warren]

I would agree with the woman at UW. However, I would follow the recommendation and retest at 3 months. If indeterminate again, which I fully expect you will be, you should consider yourself negative.

Terri

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