Multiple Equivocal HSV1 Results

[JK123]

Background:
– Never had an outbreak that I know of (unless what I thought were pimples on my upper lip were actually cold sores)

Situation:
– Had routine screening done 7 weeks ago, negative on everything, received equivocal HSV1 IGG results at 0.98
– Re-tested 4 weeks ago, received equivocal HSV1 IGG results at 0.96
– Re-tested this week, received equivocal HSV1 IGG result at 1.10

Question:
– Unsure what all of this means. Normally wouldn’t fret given the commonality of cold sores but am around children frequently and do not want to accidentally pass it along. Have been maintaining my distance as a result

[Terri Warren]

You are hovering right around the cutoff for HSV 1 positivity as you can see.
The screening test for HSV 1 misses about 25% of cases, so if you really want to know, the western blot is your best answer. Our clinic can order that to be drawn at a lab near you or you can order a kit to be shipped to you from UW and you can ask your own provider to draw, spin and ship your blood back to UW.
As for HSV 1 and children: whether you have HSV 1 or not, you are not a risk to children around you without a cold sore. This doesn’t come off your skin and into the air. If you do have HSV 1, you would want to avoid kissing the children you work with when you have a cold sore. If you work in a neonatal unit at a hospital, those restrictions might be more significant.

Terri

[JK123]

Thank you. Would you say the chances are greater that I am positive given the multiple consistently equivocal results? Appreciate your time and expertise.

[Terri Warren]

Are you asking if I think your risk of having HSV 1 is higher because you have had multiple equivocal results vs. having all low negative results? Yes.

Terri

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