Wanting some clarification to my IGG results – Next Step?

[ronk]

Hello , I’m fairly new to actually looking into HSV and learning all the tests, types, etc. I’ve had HSV 1 orally since middle school with the same cold sore every 6-ish months. I’m thinking about getting with a new partner and thought I’d get test officially to see and confirm my status as well as checking for any other STD/I’s. I received my results and being in a sort of (panic) mode, I “think”? I’ve tested false positive for HSV 2.

I will clarify, I just had a recent OB cold sore ~ 10 days ago which is now healed, hence why my HSV 1 is so high (I think they correlate I might be mistaken). I was just wondering what you think and if it would be wise to re-test, or they also e-mailed me telling me to do a HSV-2 confirmation test, which apparently is more “enhanced” and “sensitive” testing. I was also in the midst of thinking maybe my recent OB could skew the index for HSV 2? I’ve never had any symptoms in my genital area. Testing was done through STDcheck and I got bloodwork done at Quest Diagnostics, if that matters at all. My last sexual partner was in early October. I’m not really sure what to do from here, any guidance / information would be appreciated. Thank you

HSV 1 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC AB

49.40 H

HSV 2 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC AB

1.03 H

[Terri Warren]

For the record, you are not positive for HSV 2 – your result is equivocal and I would VERY STRONGLY advise that you do not do any further IgG testing, certainly not the more “sensitive” test which is an immunoblot and is definitely not more sensitive. STD check should NEVER be ordering the immunoblot as a confirmatory test for an equivocal or positive IgG test – the CDC is extremely clear about that. It’s a money making process and shame shame shame on them.

If you’ve not had sex since October, I think you should either accept that your are not positive for HSV 2 OR do the western blot if you want more certainty. I would bet a ton of money you are not infected.

Terri

[Author]

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