Inhibition Test–No Result

[ConfusedinLA]

Terri: I love this forum and all that you do for the community. It’s been a great resource as I learn about this topic.

I have a new partner and recently took the 10-STD panel from Labcorp (which I’ve done a few times before). I showed up as HSV-1 positive, which was not new or surprising. What was new and very surprising was that I was HSV-2 positive with a 2.57 IGG number. My doctor suggested a follow-up test from Quest, the HSV-2 IGG with Reflex Inhibition test. This time, the IGG came back with a 2.63, but the results of the reflex inhibition test were as follows: “The HSV-2 IgG screening assay was repeated at Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease and the result was negative; thus the Inhibition result could not be determined. If early HSV-2 infection is suspected, submission of another sample collected 2-3 weeks after this sample is recommended.” Under “Value” for the test, no value is given (it’s just blank, but these results are listed as “final.”)

My doctor said he’s never seen this before, and he’s ok with prescribing another test for me to take in 2-3 weeks. Do you have any idea why the Inhibition result could not be determined, or what it means about whether I’m in fact positive? And does the fact that my IGG levels are similar for both tests indicate that it’s a true positive and not a false positive? Also, I’ve never had any physical genital herpes symptoms, though I’ve gotten cold sores once every 2-3 years for most of my adult life.

Thanks again for your help and great work.

[ConfusedinLA]

My doctor got more information from someone at the Quest lab. First test was a Diasorin test and was positive (the 2.63 IGG). The second test was a Herpes Select test and was negative for antibodies.

Any help reading the tea leaves as to what this means?

[Terri Warren]

well, that’s quite the difference. Good that the follow up test was negative but I’m not settled by that response. I think you should pursue the blot for greatest accuracy. And you can certainly work with your own provider to obtain this test, either me or them, no difference.

Terri

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