LOW POSITIVE HSV 2? COULD IT BE AFFECTED BY SHINGLES? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

[GCCQUEST]

Hello. I am a 26 year old male, with conservative sexual history, minimal partners, no high risk interactions. Last encounter was six months ago with protection. Approximately two months ago, I had a band like rash appear on my left flank side toward my groin area with intense side pain that began weeks before and lasted even after the rash cleared. Urgent Care Doctor suspected shingles and ran tests for shingles (VZV) and for hsv 1 and 2. The shingles (VZV) result was over 4,000 IGG. HSV 1 was negative. HSV 2 (Labcorp IGG) was low positive of 1.3. I was shocked and felt the test was wrong. I have returned to the doctor for retesting and was told there was no reason to retest as I was positive. I have done a lot of reading and have seen information on possible false positive results and the western blot. What are the chances that my result is a false positive? Could my results have been affected by the shingles? Should I retest? Should I go straight for a Western Blot? Please help. I could use the advice of someone familiar in this area.

[Terri Warren]

I would go right for the western blot since you have not had sex for 6 months – you have waited long enough for an accurate result. I don’t think the VZV is going to be very useful for sorting this out. Most every one has a positive VZV IGG by age 45 in the US. There is an 85% chance at 1.3 that this is a false positive. Our clinic can help you with this test ordering if you like to be drawn and shipped from a Quest lab near you. Or you can write directly to the UW for a kit to take to your own provider – either way But you need clarification. While you could certainly have shingles, it is not common at your age. My guess is that’s what it was anyway, but with a 1.3, you do need more testing, I believe.

Terri

[GCCQUEST]

Thank you Terri for your guidance! I am interested in a phone consult as I would like to proceed with the Western Blot. I need answers. However, I have concerns about how to find a lab to run the test. I know you mention Quest, however, when I contacted my local quest laboratories both advised me they will not run the lab work and send it out to the university of Washington for the test as nothing leaves their premises. Are there specific labs that do this? Would you be able to help locate a lab to run the test? I am anxious to get this resolved as soon as possible so I can move forward with my life. Thank you again for your help.

[Terri Warren]

We can find a lab for you, yes. What state do you live in?

Terri

[GCCQUEST]

Alabama. I have scheduled a phone consult for next week and look forward to speaking with you. I hope you can assist me in getting the lab work set up. As I’m sure can understand I am ready to get this matter behind me and am hopeful with your help, that this will all be resolved quickly and that my test score was a false positive.

[Terri Warren]

We can definitely get you a test in Alabama. We’ll get this resolved, one way or the other.

Terri

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