Reply To: IgG tests with no index values

[ConfusedBacon]

Hi Terri,

Sorry, lastly just a few more questions:

1. What is the possibility of valtrex affecting the IgG score long after infection but also long after a good stretch of not being on valtrex. For example, when I tested positive in 2015 and then took Valtrex from 2017-2021. Taking that break in 2021 until October 2022.

2. What are similar viruses that can cross react with antibodies? I had chickenpox back in 2014. This is the response I received from a Serology Scientist in Australia regarding the index values: “No, we do not provide the index values.
ConfusedBacon is correct that they can provide an indication, and we will sometimes report as weak positive.
However the assays are totally qualitative. A weak result may still be real (especially if early infection or waning antibodies) and a moderate result still has a risk of being false if there is a cross reaction with a similar virus.”

2. What is the possibility of a swab test being a false positive? I have been seeing a new doctor and we went through my medical record from when I got tested and nothing on the culture says I got tested for herpes but a written description on my record just states: “genital herpes.” My doctor is going to ring around the labs and retrieve the culture record because she’s confused why my culture result having no mention of herpes. I don’t doubt that I don’t have it – my IgG test indicates something and I’ve had mild outbreaks in the past (but then my doctor states the outbreaks could be anything else).

Thank you.