Low Index Value HSV1

[sh1234]

The person was tested for HSV1 & HSV 2. HSV1 Index value was 1.8 and HSV2 index value .24. Doctors said the HSV 1 was positive and negative for HSV 2. They did the Igg blood test. I wanted to know if you would recommend getting the western blot test because the index value was 1.8. We read that index values between 1.1 and 3.5 could be a false positive. Do you know what percentage chance this could be a false positive based on the 1.8 index value for HSV1? No sex partners for over 4 years, so was thinking the index values would be above 3 if was positive for such a long time. Please advise. Thanks

[Terri Warren]

At 1.8, based on a study I presented at in Brisbane in September at an international STI research meeting, there is an 80% chance that would confirm at a 20% chance it would not. Some people just have a lower positive value and it is always there. The western blot would very likely give a clear answer. Our clinic can order that for you at a lab near where you live or work if you want to arrange that.

Terri

[sh1234]

Terri,
I just wanted to be sure I understand correctly. Are you saying that there may be a 80% chance of a false positive with a 1.8 index value? If so, I would like to arrange the test. What is the Western Blot test able to validate with more certainty than the other igg blood tests. We just want the most accurate information possible?

[sh1234]

Terri,

I posted my question to someone else thread yesterday by mistake, so I am reposting it below for a response. The thread that I posted it to by mistake was titled “HSV1 False Positive”. I do apologize for the confusion.

If a person reaches an index value of 3 and higher does the western blot test still have the ability to determine a false positive / if a person reaches an index value of 3 or higher is it automatically determined that the person is positive? Should a person assume if they are HSV1 negative their index level will not continue to rise? I will call to order the test. Thanks

[Terri Warren]

I’m a little confused here – I answered that other question already.
I am saying there is an 80% chance that the 1.8 will confirm as positive if a western blot is done, not the reverse as you suggested.
The western blot looks at the entire set of proteins made by the herpes antibody where the ELISA test only looks for one protein – one that is different between HSV 1 and HSV 2.

Terri

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