Hello, I don't know if I giving myself false hope (maybe I'm at that stage) but I really trying to understand my test results. My showed it to my doctor and he hand to me back clearly having no knowledge of what he was reading. But anyway I got test on Saturday day and my result came back that with a hsv1 igg score of 8. And a hsv igg score of 2.26. I know both are on the postive range of the test butt I recently read thier is a gray area. Apparently I have been asymptomatic carrier for more than 6 months. My question is should I push for the western blot, or is it a waste of time in my situation. I apologize for my igronance but I don't know who to turn too since my doctor was no help at all. He didn't even inspect me. Im currently at a loss any advice would be appericated.
Hey Jason, that's why I asked in that other post about which strain and test results. Had they tested you Igm, having HSV 1, can cause a false positive for 2. However, you were rested by Igg, which has a high accuracy rate, as long as enough time has passed since infection, for the body to produce Igg antibodies. Here is what is said from American Health Association site, regarding types of tests.
The accurate herpes blood tests detect IgG antibodies. Unlike IgM, IgG antibodies can be accurately broken down to either HSV-1 or HSV-2. A recent study corroborates this finding: labs that used non-gG-based tests for herpes had high false-positive rates for HSV-2 antibodies (14-88% saying the blood sample was positive for HSV-2) in samples that were actually only positive for HSV-1 antibodies. But 100% of the labs using gG-based tests accurately reported that the blood sample was negative for HSV-2.
The challenge here is that the time it takes for IgG antibodies to reach detectable levels can vary from person to person. For one person, it could take just a few weeks, while it could ta ke a few months for another. So even with the accurate tests, a person could receive a false negative if the test is taken too soon after contracting the virus. For the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12 – 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels.
There are currently several FDA-approved, gG-based blood tests that can give accurate results for herpes. Like any blood test, these tests cannot determine whether the site of infection is oral or genital. However, since most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, a positive result for type-2 antibodies most likely indicates genital herpes.
Thanks for your reply. That's more information than my doctor gave me. I guess this is just my mind playing tricks on me giving myself False hope that I'm not stuck with this
Totally normal to feel that way.. Doctors that aren't specifically in the area of reproductive organs, really don't know jack about herpes or the tests.
Just recognize that you're lucky it is asymptomatic. I have symptoms every single day. Not a day goes by that I don't. I've not felt the same down there, before having this. Trust me hun, there are so many worse things. I would for your own comfort, go and have another hsv 2 done. Just hsv 2, not 1.
Yes that's what I plan on doing. I'll wait a month or two and order the western blot test.
You don't need to wait that long, since you're already presenting IgG antibodies. You're good to take it again now.
I know it's easier said than done and it does take time to accept, but you will, I promise and you'll look back and see how this was nothing more than just a blip in your journey through life.
Jason, how long after exposure did you get the blood test taken?
They only found. Igg In my blood if that makes sense. Said I showed no recent exposure. Doctor said I was prob infected 6 months + ago.
Jason, came across this again and noticed the low score on the hsv 2 being under 3.5... You need to go have another test done. I think your positive hsv 1 test Dis on fact, cause a false positive for your hsv 2