Test Results – Confusing

[Ameachum]

Hi Terri,

I started dating a guy 4 months ago. We were having unprotected sex and were moving towards a serious relationship. I decided to get tested for STDs because it had been a while; probably too long. I wanted to go into this relationship knowing I was free of STDs. I went to my PCP and asked for the tests. I was not experiencing any symptoms. M
After doing the blood tests, my nurse practitioner called and said I had tested positive for HSV-1 and 2. I wasn’t surprised about HSV-1 because I have been getting cold sores since I was in high school. Obviously, hearing about HSV-2 was mortifying. I took her word for it and told the guy I was dating. He got tested and said it came back negative. Since I just found out I have HSV-2, I went to the internet and started reading all about it. I read about the index values, the different kinds of tests, and how complicated this all can get. I tried to ask my nurse practitioner about the index values, but I think I referred to them as “levels.” She had no idea what I was talking about. She said it normally comes back positive or negative and they don’t test for “levels.” My test results are in 3 columns. “Component” “Latest Ref Rng & Units” and “3/23/2018,” the date of my test. The herpes result reads, “Herpes I AB IGG, serum” “Neg Index” and in the column of my results it says “Pos (A)” I’m guessing this means positive antibodies. There is another line for Herpes II exactly like I, only it says “II.” Do you think it’s odd I didn’t get an index value? I’ve read a lot about false positives. I’m willing to accept I have it if in fact I do, but do you think I should get retested somewhere else?

[Terri Warren]

You need to get a test that gives index values which I don’t think you have here. I don’t know what lab they used but I would recommend that you get a test from Quest or LabCorp both of which give index values. Or you could just jump head long into the herpes western blot for the best possible test.
You can order this test yourself online if your NP uses a lab that doesn’t give index values.

Terri

[Ameachum]

Thank you for this information. I went to Quest this morning a got re-tested. If my index value for HSV-2 is high, I’ll accept that. If it is in the low positive range, I would like to do the Western Blot. I’m a little confused as to how to order it online. I thought I read on your website that only a HCP could order this. I’m willing to do it myself, but what is the easiest way? Does the Univ of Wash clinic take walk-ins for this or appointments? I’m willing to fly up there. I live in CA.

[Terri Warren]

You cannot order the westernblot test yourself – a HCP has to do that but you can go ahead and order the kit. You can order an IgG test yourself – maybe that’s what you were thinking. I don’t know if UW takes walk ins or how that would work with them. Harborview is their STD clinic and that’s probably where that would happen if you went up there.

Terri

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