Low Positive HSV2 Result

[LeahGrace]

I’m experiencing a range of emotions right now; lost, sad, angry, confused–after receiving my lab results back from Quest Diagnostics.
I get tested for STDs and STIs every 6 months but my doctors typically don’t test for HSV unless there’s an outbreak or symptoms. I’ve never had an outbreak or symptoms but the HSV test was included in this year’s physical. So this was my first time being tested for HSV.
HSV-1 IGG: >90 (Negative)
HSV-2 IGG: 1.96. (Positive)
I am devastated.
I realize that this is a low positive, but what are the chances this is a false positive?
When exactly do I need to follow up with the Western Blot test? 4 weeks from now? 12 weeks?
Last date of unprotected sex was with my boyfriend on Oct 31, he is also clean of all STDs and STIs to my knowledge.
Please help.

[LeahGrace]

Edit: I did this blood test on November 19th, 2020.

[Terri Warren]

Without knowing your boyfriend’s actual test results (rather than his statement that he is clear of herpes), I cannot give you an exact answer. But there is a very good chance that this is a false positive result. When was the last time you had intercourse with anyone besides this boyfriend? Would he agree to be tested? Why are you doing STD screens every six months?

Terri

[LeahGrace]

I have heavy anxiety and am overly cautious about my health, so I like to do my screenings every six months; even if I haven’t been sexually active in those six months. The last time that wasn’t my boyfriend was on September 30th; this person was a one-night stand who disclosed his STD/STI status up front, he claimed he was tested a month prior for all STDs and STIs and tested negative for everything. We are not currently in contact.
What are the chances that this is a false positive versus a recent infection?
The Western Blot is on its way here, when do I need to complete the test?

[Terri Warren]

You should do the blot no sooner than January 1, given the Sept. encounter. And even then, if we don’t know your boyfriend’s status, we are only clearing up the question of new infection from the Sept. partner. Was this condom protected or not?

With an index value of 1.96, assuming your current partner is uninfected, there is probably a 65% chance that this is a false positive. Somewhere around that number.

Terri

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