Is this a false positive?

[amipositive2022]

Hi Terri –
I have had HSV1 since I was very young, probably passed on by a family member. I have always been proactive about testing and have never tested positive for HSV 2 until late last year. My ex partner was HSV2+ but was very proactive about taking anti-virals and never had another outbreak in our time together; plus we always used protection. I also take anti-virals but only when I have had a cold sore (HSV1); I have never had a genital outbreak.

When I tested back in October:
My test results with Quest were:
HSV 1 IGG 24.40
HSV 2 IGG 1.53

When I tested again at the beginning of April with Labcorp/HerpesSelect Test:
HSV1 IGG 21.20
HSV2 IGG 1.20

Labcorp did another supplemental test for the HSV2 in which it came out positive. I freaked out completely because of the supplemental tests results.

My question is: could my high positive HSV1 results trigger my HSV2 results? And could this be a false positive?

Thank you so much!

[Terri Warren]

Yes, your HSV 1 could cause some cross reactivity and give you a false positive IgG for HSV 2. And we’ve had HUGE problems with the supplemental test in LabCorp’s hands. You need a western blot. This could most certainly be a false positive. I have now over 70 people with false positive supplemental tests.

Terri

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