Understanding Testing and Confirmation Testing

[depressed2022]

Good morning. I have question regarding testing via ELISA or CLIA and confirmation testing. I wanted to make sure my logic was reasonable. I had a positive HSV-2 igg test 1.11 using LabCorp which I think reflexes to CLIA supplemental testing which was positive also. My HSV-1 levels were very high as expected and no surprise. I’ve never had a recognizable genital outbreak. I took 3 immunoblot test and all have been positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2. The last immunoblot test was 4 weeks after the positive 1.11. (Yeah, I’ve spent lots of money!!!!) My logic/assumption is that if the initial test picked up HSV-2 antibodies and they are truly in my blood then the immunoblots, especially the one 4 weeks later would have picked up the antibodies as it did with the HSV-1 antibodies. My understanding is that although not as reliable as the Western Blot, it is still sensitive and more Specific/Qualitative then the other test.

Terri, what are your thoughts?

[Terri Warren]

I seriously doubt with an index value of 1.1 that you have HSV 2. These tests are deeply flawed. I currently have 74 people who were positive on the LabCorp IgG test and positive on the supplemental test and negative on the western blot. This is especially concerning for those who also test positive for HSV 1.

Terri

[Author]

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