Western Blot test and exposure time

[Helpforlife]

I had a possible exposure to Herpes 18 days ago. I went to a clinic 3 days post exposure and got examined and blood work drawn for IGG and IGM antibodies as well as a standard STD panel here in Alabama. The tests came back negative.

I got physically examined yesterday due to discomfort in the genital area and some red dots on the scrotum. The physicians assistant did not locate any outbreak. One suspected bump was swabbed on the scrotum but he did not believe that it looked like Herpes. The results are pending.

It is critical to me to find out as early as possible if I have been exposed. I am considering the Western Blot test, however, I am not sure what accuracy I can expect at this stage. Can you tell me when I can take the Western blot test and the accuracy corresponding to the time frame? Example accuracy at 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks e.t.c. I am hoping to take it at 3-4 weeks with hopes that the test will be fairly accurate. I am also open to retesting IGG and IGM at 3 to 4 weeks with hopes for an accurate test. Time is of an essence for me to know with a reasonably high degree of certainty that I have not been exposed to Herpes. I understand that the tests taken a little earlier may not be as accurate as possible but I am willing to compromise given the time constraint provided they are largely accurate.

I look forward to your response.

[Terri Warren]

It’s too soon to do the blot – you need to wait 12 weeks from any concerning encounter for greatest accuracy. There isn’t any way to do this earlier and get an accurate result. If you decide to do another IGG, that’s fine, but forget doing anymore IgM tests – they are highly inaccurate.

Terri

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