Is it worth retesting in case of a false positive?

[maroonedship]

I got a positive HSV 1 diagnosis with a 1.44 index reading. I was refused Valtrex.

I have done this test about 6 times at this point after a scare last year. The first 3 times were after possible exposure with my partner and all done last year. I had index values 0.23 (2 days after exposure, I know that doesn’t count), 0.23 ( 6 weeks after exposure), and 0.26 ( about 4 months after exposure). My partner got tested and was negative. I went to the doctor three times to talk about bumps I was worried about, but they assured me they were all ingrown hairs.

I got a new unfaithful partner a month afterwards who I kept seeing for 8 months from late October until this May. My HSV 1 was negative in January( but I was not given the exact value. I tested again in April and was also negative, but with an index value of 0.66. I kissed a few people after that test and had sexual contact again May 10th-12th with the same partner. Last Tuesday, I got tested again, about 11 weeks after that May exposure and got a 1.44 positive index value.

What is the possibility of a false positive? Is it worth retesting with another standard IGG test? I cannot afford a Blot test at this point. My HSV 2 values have all been negative.

I did get oral symptoms November and December of last year, but they resembled angular cheilitis way too much. I would just get a single cut on a corner of my lip. I do smoke, have braces, and pick at my dehydrated lips, but I also know cold sores sometimes don’t resemble the Google pictures.

[Terri Warren]

I have most definitely seen false positives on the HSV 1 IgG at this index value and higher. Alternatively, you could have the symptoms swab tested and see what you get.

Terri

[maroonedship]

Thank you! I have another question, but about my HSV 2 test. I tested 11 weeks after the last sexual contact with this person and my HSV 2 test was negative. Should I do a retest or can I be pretty sure of that result? Let’s say my HSV 1 positive result is real, would it be just as likely that I could be one of the 8% that the HSV 2 test doesn’t detect?

[Terri Warren]

We don’t know that the HSV 1 value has anything to do with why the HSV 2 test misses 8%.
Given all that you’ve said here, I’m unclear if you are infected with HSV 1 or not. If you can’t the blot right now, pay attention to the area and get anything swab tested that seems abnormal to you.

Terri

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