Low Positive -Could it be false?

[SARAHMCD]

IGG Tested for HSV1 & HSV2:
HSV-1 – Negative
HSV-2 – Positive 2.08
Background:
I have never had an outbreak or any symptoms. I have had intercourse with one partner over the last 5 months without using condoms (maybe 8 times), another partner briefly before that using protection every time (he is negative) and I was married for 10 years prior to that. I was STD tested when I met my husband and all came back negative at that time – I don’t know if they tested for HSV2.
When I had the blood drawn for the test I also had gardneralla vaginalis positive (doctor referred to it as BV). To note, I also have the chicken pox virus that causes shingles from childhood. Could either of these two issues cause a false positive?

How do I request a Western Blot test in South Carolina to be sure?

[Terri Warren]

Oh yes. A western blot is in order here. At an index value of 2.08 there is about a 55% chance this is a false positive result. If you were my patient, we would definitely do that.

We don’t know exactly what causes false positives, we only know that they exist

Terri

[SARAHMCD]

Thanks. That’s what I assumed. I’d also asked in my first post, how I can get a western blot test done in SC?

I’ve contacted Quest Diagnostics and they don’t do the test at all anymore (anywhere). Labcorp also doesn’t do it. If I go through you, does my doctor need to request it or can I just request it myself? I have a follow up appointment with her on Monday and wish to know what, if anything, I may need from her while I’m there. I’m sure she will tell me the Igg test is the only one she’s heard of and that I can rely on those results being true. She’s already phoned in a prescription for suppression medication – which I have not started since I want to be further tested and don’t want it messing with my results.

How do I go about collecting the sample needed for western blot? Will a lab in SC take it and release it to me? Do I need my doctor to still request that blood test? Again, if you can let me know the first step asap as to what I should request from my doctor on Monday, that would be very much appreciated.

Is it possible my index result is low because it was fairly recent?

This is causing me a great deal of anxiety and I’d like to be assured that my results are in fact accurate. Or better yet, not accurate!!

[Terri Warren]

Our clinic is the only place in the US that can still order the western blot to be done through Quest. Just call my clinic for a phone consult and we will set it up. We will place the order and all you do it go in and have your blood drawn – very simple.

It could be low positive because you are in the process of making antibody from a recent exposure, yes, that’s why you need to wait 16 weeks after a sexual contact to have the test done for greatest accuracy.

Terri

[SARAHMCD]

Hi Terri,
If both of my most recent partners come back negative this week, should I go back further to my ex-husband and suggest he get tested? The last time we had sex was over a year ago. Previous partners would be 11+ years ago. Both recent partners claim they have never had any outbreaks ever and were quite surprised by my news – and obviously concerned. One I used condoms with every time, the other one I did not. Interesting point, one was military and tested every year for STDs so he thought he was clear, but I had to educate him on them not testing for HSV. Kind of disturbing that they don’t test for it. It gives a false sense of security doesn’t it?

I just found out the man in my new relationship has HSV1. I grow up around it in my family – father, brother and sister had it. I’ve tested negative for HSV1. Is it possible I’m immune to it in some way? Or that my current low antibodies for HSV2 have anything to do with it?

Does him having HSV1 and me having HSV2 severely restrict what activities we can do together? I’m not too worried about being infected orally. He only remembers ever having one outbreak many years ago – which he didn’t connect at the time to be HSV1 but now suspects it may very well have been.

Most important question, does him having HSV1 decrease his odds of being infected by HSV2 (if I indeed have it?).

Also, why, when I called Quest did they say they no longer will run the western blot test, period, if you’re saying they run it for you? I called their main 800 number. Is it geographically specific? I’m in SC.

Thank you, this is a great service. My doctor just told me the news over the phone while I was at work, saying I’d been “exposed” but didn’t share my level. Just said “use condoms” and tell any recent and future partners. It was very confusing and she didn’t even mention suppressive medication. I had to go in and pick up my actual results t

[Terri Warren]

The western blot will also pick up more HSV 1 infections than the screening test. A lot more. You cannot get the test through Quest but I can, and yes in SC. It is a special arrangement that I have with Quest. Trust me, I can.

If you do have HSV 2, you will not get hSV 1 subsequently so his HSV 1 is not a risk. Has he actually been tested to know that he does not have HSV 2? If not, he should be. His HSV 1 will not protect him against HSV 2 but it will make it more likely if he does get it that he might not notice any symptoms when he does.

Let’s just get this test ordered and move along so you know how to be with him, sexually.

Terri

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