Reg Western blot

[needyguyParticipant]

Hi Terri ,
I need your help in taking the western blot test . I have already done phone consult with Lisa T 6 months back , she reviewed my herpes select results and she said Iam equivocal to both HSV-1( 1.04 Igg) & HSV-2 ( 1.02 Igg) and IGM negative ( I understand this is useless).Here is a brief summary about my exposure , I went and had only body massage ( no hand genital contact & no oral genital contact) on 17 march 2013. I have an fear of STDs after that incident( also I have been to strip clubs a couple of times again no hand genital / oral genital contact I took only lap dances ), I tested for all the STDS (except HSV) 6 months after the incident and every thing came back negative. I tested for HSV-1 & 2 on feb 2014 (11 months after the incident) it came back equivocal.
Some how this has been bothering me off-late , When I had talked to Lisa T 6 months back she suggested western blot as confirmatory test ( also she said that it is not necessary based on my exposure) . But this equivocal result has been bothering me and making me anxious. I have been trying to contact Lisa T to check if she can order tests but could nt get a appointment , It would be great if you can help me get one. I live in San Jose , CA. Here are some of questions I have abt western blot 1) How accurate is this test ? 2)How long does it take to get test result ? 3) can I get this test done from a lab like labcorp/quest diagnostics near my area ? I dont want to get it done thru my PCP as they seem to have very little awarness abt HSV.
Thanks 4 help in advance

• This topic was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  needyguy.

[Terri WarrenKeymaster]

This is difficult because on this board, I am answering questions without knowing who you are.
Here is what I would suggest: Lisa will be back in the office tomorrow. Call and ask the front desk to connect you with Lisa’s voice mail. Leave her a voicemail with you name. Tell her that although she didn’t think the wester blot was necessary, you would still like her to order it for you. She will pull up your chart and return your call. Since she already suggested a western blot for you, I’m certain she will order that for you without a problem. I am assuming you have not yet had one.

The test for HSV 2 is more than 99% sensitive four months from possible exposure. The test results can take anywhere form 1-3 weeks to get back. Yes, you can get it drawn at a Quest lab in your area Your PCP could not order the western blot, even if you wanted them to

Does this sound like a plan to you?

Terri

[needyguyParticipant]

Hi Terri ,

Thanks for teh reply

Iam asking for reassurance. Also I am asymptotic to HSV ( never had a cold sore or genital sore)

Here is my sexual history I have had sex with only one partner and before that this what I have done.

Never had anal and vaginal sex with anyone.

I went and had only body massage once ( no hand genital contact & no oral genital contact) on 17 march 2013. I have an fear of STDs after that incident.
Also I have been to strip clubs a couple of times again no hand genital & no oral , anal & vaginal I took only lap dances .

Does this look like a risky exposure to you ?

Also how accurate is the western blot test ? Have you seen any false positives ?

Do you recommend western blot as well ? based on what I described.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  needyguy.

[needyguyParticipant]

Also Just to add more Info my partner does not have any STIs

[Terri WarrenKeymaster]

Then I will give you reassurance! I think your risk is incredibly low if not non-existent.
The only reason I would suggest a western blot is to provide you with even more reassurance. My opinion is the same as Lisa’s. From a science point of view, you don’t need a western blot. If a western blot will let you stop worrying about this then do it.
There are no false positives on the western blot. My only concern would be an indeterminate western blot; a western blot that doesn’t give a complete negative or positive result, something in between. It happens but not often.
Also, it would be interesting to look at your actual test results. Two equivocal results would be really unusual. Are you sure?

Terri

[needyguyParticipant]

Hi Terri,

Thanks for the reply . Can you please explain me why do you think my risk is “not non-existent” ? ( For both HSV-1 & HSV-2 ?? ). also FYI Iam a male.

I thought I can’t get it with out hand -genital contact , genital – genital contact, oral sex , anal sex & vaginal sex.

So are you saying that there is a very low possibility to get two equivocal results ( Herpes select & western blot) ?

what do you think I should do , should I brave a WB ?

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  needyguy.

[needyguyParticipant]

Also FYI Iam from South Asia.

Does taking body massage or Lap dances sounds like a risky behavior to you ?

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  needyguy.

[needyguyParticipant]

Terri ,

Also Iam getting confused since you are saying from a “scientific point of view , I dont need a Western blot” and your below statement ” I think your risk is incredibly low if not non-existent” . Could you please clarify ?

[Terri WarrenKeymaster]

I’ll answer this one more question since there seems to be a language problem, but if you have more questions, you’ll need to go and register for more questions, like you did the first time.

You misunderstood me and I may have said this in a way you did not understand.

Your behavior does not present a risk for getting herpes. So from a MEDICAL point of view, I don’t believe you need confirmation with a western blot.
But you say that you are still worried about the unclear test results, so from a PSYCHOLOGICAL point of view, it may help reassure you. I don’t not think a massage or lap dance without genital contact is a risk for acquiring HSV, no.

Terri

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