indeterminate western blot hsv-2 followup

[indeterminateWB]

Hi Terri, nice to talk to you today. I learned that my WB HSV2 was indeterminate. You mentioned that you have only seen 2 cases that indeterminate test results changed in the second test. Could you provide more details about these cases, are those results changed to positive (may be due to test too soon for the first one), or changed to negative?

I understand the recommended guideline is to wait 12 weeks and test again to eliminate the possibility of of seroconversion, and if it is still indeterminate, then can be considered as negative.

However, I am at least 16 weeks apart between my last sex encounter and the WB blood draw. Is the possibility of seroconversion low enough? If I am ok to live with the indeterminate test result (and very likely the second test will still be indeterminate), is there any other benefit I can gain from the second test?

[Terri Warren]

One went from indeterminate to positive and one went from indeterminate to negative.
The reason UW asks you to repeat the test in 3 months from the first one is that they are trying to be certain your seroconversion (going from negative to positive) isn’t going very slowly. I would recommend that you follow the directions to do the blot again. If indeterminate,you can be more certain that you are not infected. Just my opinion.

Terri

[indeterminateWB]

Thanks Terri for the reply. I will definitely do the second test after 3 months.
For the one that turns from indeterminate to positive, did he or she wait over 3 month after exposure for the first test?
Also, how many people remain indeterminate (tens? hundreds?)?

[Terri Warren]

Hundreds have stayed indeterminate.
Yes, the person waited 12 weeks to do the first test, as I recall, but I can’t be 100% sure about that.

Terri

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