No outbreak, what’s going on here?

[sam0990]

Hello Terri,

Thank you for this platform!
I’m 33 and have had HSV-1 since I was a child, it showed its face after being severely sick with the flu. This past September I decided to get a full panel blood test, because it has been a while. I have been with the same partner for the last four years who has a clean bill of health and expected to be negative for everything, however came back with a positive HSV-2 result. I have not had any outbreaks, and even rarely have an oral outbreak. In November, I tested again and the numbers were lower. My partner also then tested and was negative. I then did a confirmatory test and the results are lower but I’m also not sure what kind of confirmatory test I received. All results below.

Is it at all possible that these results are inaccurate and should I follow through with a Western Blot test?

Initial September Testing:
September 21st: HSV-1 IgG, Herpes Type-1 (ISR) 6.05
September 21st: HSV-2 IgG, Herpes Type-2 (ISR) 2.16

In November I Redid testing:
November 18th: HSV-2 IgM, Herpes Type-2 (ISR) 0.18
November 18th: HSV-2 IgG, Herpes Type-2 (ISR) 2.08

December Confirmatory Test Results:

HSV 2 IGG, W/REFL HSV 2 INHIBITION
HSV 2 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC AB – 1.37 H

HSV 2 IGG INHIBITION, IA
HSV 2 IGG INHIBITION, IA – POSITIVE

[Terri Warren]

There is not good agreement between the inhibition assay and the gold standard antibody test, western blot. it is possible this is correct, but if you were my patient, I would be certain to get the western blot for greatest accuracy.

Terri

[sam0990]

Thank you.

With these series of results and my partner being negative, do you think it is possible this is a false positive?

I have a follow up with my primary care doctor tomorrow to discuss the confirmatory but will likely be pursuing the Western Blot with you soon.

[Terri Warren]

I most certainly do believe that this could be a false positive. I’ve just seen too many people who have positive inhibition assays and negative western blots.

Terri

[sam0990]

Thanks for your response Terri.
I spoke with my doctor today and she says the inhibition confirmatory test I took with Quest is slightly more sensitive than the Western Blot and uses the same protein method. She also says she’s seen test come back inclusive before and would only come back positive if they had reason for it. Do you have any thoughts on this??

I told her I would still like to pursue the Western Blot so they are looking into if they can order it. If I needed to do it through you what would be the process and cost?

[Terri Warren]

She is incorrect. About both the sensitivity and the method. You could look it up yourself.
You can certainly do it through us. The cost is $325 for the test and the consult and you would also need to pay for shipping and the blood draw.

Terri

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