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Can pcr swab test be false positive ?
I have bo symtoms of herpes except recurring boils. Still my pcr swab is positive. The question is can I have no crusting while boil healing ... which is the least min how herpes boils outbreak comes to an end.
He didn't swab the sore but other part of my skin which is already having some bacterial infection.
It's my genitals. The doc didn't take swab on the boil. But another skin
condition just right above that which I am facing. He took all over swab of that. I am already getting treated for that skin condition with another medication. So I don't know how these diagnostic test are done.
He told me it doesn't matter the whole skin has the virus.
Can another bacteria infection effect my swab test ??
condition just right above that which I am facing. He took all over swab of that. I am already getting treated for that skin condition with another medication. So I don't know how these diagnostic test are done.
He told me it doesn't matter the whole skin has the virus.
Can another bacteria infection effect my swab test ??
Is this on your mouth or genitals? That can do a test to confirm a positive. What were your results exactly as in the numbers?
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It's my genitals. The doc didn't take swab on the boil. But another skin
condition just right above that which I am facing. He took all over swab of that. I am already getting treated for that skin condition with another medication. So I don't know how these diagnostic test are done.
He told me it doesn't matter the whole skin has the virus.
Can another bacteria infection effect my swab test ??
condition just right above that which I am facing. He took all over swab of that. I am already getting treated for that skin condition with another medication. So I don't know how these diagnostic test are done.
He told me it doesn't matter the whole skin has the virus.
Can another bacteria infection effect my swab test ??
You say he swabbed you and you have a positive pcr test? What were the numbers? This story is kind of not making sense to me. If you were swabbed on other sores that you aren't worried about and they produced a positive, your doctor is right. It doesn't matter. You are positive and the other sores ARE probably related. You don't have double herpes. You know what I mean? Herpes is herpes. One in the same. But what were your numbers exactly? And you can ask for a confirmatory test. You can request a Western Blot test.
No the other is not a sore. It's a another kind of skin condition. I am being treated for it for something else. With some steroid. There are no numbers. It just says reactive. That's it on the report for hsv 2.
That's what I want to understand.that can another skin condition cause effect on herpes pcr swab test. Yes I will have to retest given I get the sore again. But if not u don't want to be stuck with that report. Because I don't have any other symptoms. So I needed help to understand what can go wrong with such a specific swab test if something can go wrong
No, a herpes test is specific. It looks for genetic material of hsv. If it is there, it triggers a positive. False positives can happen that is why I have asked what your numbers are and said that you could ask for a confirming test such as a western blot. But your doctor IS correct. It doesn't matter WHAT sore he swabbed, if you got a positive, it's positive. So, follow up with a confirmatory test. It seems you have genital herpes according to the pcr no matter what he swabbed. So, you need to confirm and see if you get a Western blot positive as well. That test also tells the difference between hsv 1 on genitals and hsv 2. You seem to have really limited information. Schedule a follow up to confirm diagnosis. Herpes is not the end of the earth. It's a manageable condition.
Ok thanks.. so update too after my results.
He didn't swab the sore but other part of my skin which is already having some bacterial infection
It doesn't matter. You can not have herpes twice. Ya know? A positive is a positive. What he swabbed triggered a positive herpes test. You 'think' it was a bacterial infection but the test says otherwise. It doesn't matter what you think as this is your guess since you aren't the doctor, right?. . . the doctor tested you and positive came back. You need to just need to confirm. If it was a false positive, it will show then. So, that's your next step. We can't really do anything here other than direct you to retest with a confirming test and clarify with your doctor. You also didn't give your number on the pcr test. Is it low? That 'bacterial infection' may actually be herpes so be aware.
The pcr swab didn't show any value.. and bacterial is not herpes coz it was already before diagnosed as bacterial infection.
But thanks for all help. I just want to know the fact and not worry about or have medicine simply. That's it.
Thanks for helping
Atleast one person replied n I m greatful
But thanks for all help. I just want to know the fact and not worry about or have medicine simply. That's it.
Thanks for helping
Atleast one person replied n I m greatful
Well, the bottom line is you had a positive test. Whatever they swabbed triggered it. I think you are getting hung up on that. Maybe it is a false positive but you have to retest with another test. I'd do a Western Blot. PCR tests give a number and that is pretty standard. You certainly have a right to ask for your true test results with that information. Some doctors will visually state it looks like herpes but if you tested and that test was positive, that's different. And that warrants another test to confirm. Just set that up. There is nothing you can do until then. Take care.
If you have sexual activity, use a condom for the time being.
Yeah !! I agree... thank you
I don't know whether western blot test is available. ALSO a last question is it possible to have herpes boils which don't form ulcers or scab or crust over.
I m not getting sexually involved coz I need clarity on this matter. I don't want to risk anyone else. Thanks for everything.
Okay, so the PCR swab won't have a numerical value, but the blood test would.
It is unlikely that the swab would be a false positive, but you could get a type specific IgG blood test to confirm it if you are questioning it.
Herpes wouldn't cause boils. Something called hidradenitis suppurativa could, or a bacterial infection like staph or MRSA might.
It is unlikely that the swab would be a false positive, but you could get a type specific IgG blood test to confirm it if you are questioning it.
Herpes wouldn't cause boils. Something called hidradenitis suppurativa could, or a bacterial infection like staph or MRSA might.
That's what I a saying that I dont have herpes and still I have being tested positive for herpes.beacuse I just have boils and they git treated with canestan cream only. So what did that test was all about ... I guess I am just facing some staph infection. Yes I will do another blood test... coz my boils go away
Thank u so much for answering ... but I will get through this whole thing... because it has made me mentally disturbed way more than anything... I just get boils and I put some antifungal cream and they go away ... that's it.
Yes I am facing another skin condition and that was due to laser operation and my hair follicle was infected ... and I am using another cream there... recommended by a doc after clinical checking and that is improving after cream application. So I dontvknow what's the truth but this whole incident has given me a setback
Yes I am facing another skin condition and that was due to laser operation and my hair follicle was infected ... and I am using another cream there... recommended by a doc after clinical checking and that is improving after cream application. So I dontvknow what's the truth but this whole incident has given me a setback
Also the guys I had being with who gave me oral when I didn't know about this whole situation... suffered a strep throat when got exposed to me. And is now healthy and happy. I did ask him did u face anything after that he said I m all good.
The other guy I doing well too... I am so happy for them. And I just hope Noone gets s etback the way I got. If I have herpes I will face it. But if I don't have it and still being positive on it and getting mentally tortured with no herpes symptoms at all... like none. And still being tested positive taht too when the doc didn't swab which he should have and swabbed another skin condition.... which is already being treated for something else. I am a layman don't have a degree but I can understand symptoms. And they way my body is I fall ill crazily. I got ill with covid and couldn't get up for 20 days where normal person is ok in 7 days. So I am so much in pain mentally... I will defiantly go again and ask for details in the report. I have my pap smear results on the way. Waiting for them.
When the clinic will call me I will check with them.
When the clinic will call me I will check with them.
I m so thankful for your reply coz atleast now I know boils are not caused by herpes... I don't have any ulceration happening. I hope I am right coz unknowingly my hands have being all over my body during infection coz I never understood such serious infection could ever happen to me. All my other body parts are OK including my fingers which I used so irresponsibly to apply medicines and many times by mistake I touched my sores while in this process.
Boils are under the skin, and herpes is on the skin, if that helps.
It's okay to use your fingers to apply your medication, but you should wash your hands after, just in case, if for no other reason than to not get the medication in your eyes.
It may have taken you so long to get over covid because your body is fighting whatever is causing these boils at the same time, and it's just wearing your immune system out.
I hope you get some answers soon from your doctor.
It's okay to use your fingers to apply your medication, but you should wash your hands after, just in case, if for no other reason than to not get the medication in your eyes.
It may have taken you so long to get over covid because your body is fighting whatever is causing these boils at the same time, and it's just wearing your immune system out.
I hope you get some answers soon from your doctor.
Thanks for replying. I was not having boils when I was sick with covid. Yes these are boils are under the skin and also have pus or other discharge... and no other symptoms of herpes exists. What brings hsv 2 in my reports I wonder. But yes ... I did a blood test and they didn't give me any value for it. I think I will again do blood test and also ask for my previous values. But if anyone says pcr is 100 % right I have a difference of opinion now. Who did the test ?? Did the sample taken was right? Was other transportation aspects not in question ?? Was there any other bacteria which could have influenced the test ?? Didn't the doctor see other clinical symptoms ? Did the doctor check clinical founding with lab test on same footings ?? Were they listening to the patient ?? Did they ignore what patients had to say ?? I understand even now that I can be wrong u know ... may be they are right ... but there is nothing 100 %. Please if anyone is reading this believe in your symptoms before believing in any lab reports. Make sure u collaborate. The kind of mental stress one can go through is tremendous. Doctors are next best things to God when such things come in question ... but when they don't give u enough attention or even listen to u what u want to say ...u are left all alone. I told my doc I have no pain , no other symptoms , nothing ... even then in my blood report they specially mentioned positive on pcr ... why didn't they mention no other symtoms experienced by patient. Please send values. I don't know how medical science works.... but a person can feel hell lot if such things happen. I went to doc to give me an antibiotic which could stop these boils from coming... and I so know they didn't care enough... I have each and every days photos and video... which show everything is ok with my skin. They didntbeven want to take a look. That hurts. When there is no personal touch. Reports are not final. They have to have double checks. Clinical plus lab.
I am so thankful to you to Give me this additional perspective. I just want to know the truth. And if I am an exceptional case may be there can be one more person who could feel the same like me ... I just want to give u a hope for second test like me.
Please get copies of all your lab work. Let's make sure you've had the correct testing and that it's been read correctly.
If you get re-tested, make sure it's the herpes IgG type specific blood test.
Keep me posted, and I'm happy to help. You may have herpes, or may not - I don't know, but I do know that the boils aren't caused by it.
If you get re-tested, make sure it's the herpes IgG type specific blood test.
Keep me posted, and I'm happy to help. You may have herpes, or may not - I don't know, but I do know that the boils aren't caused by it.
Thank you so much. Because I just and just have boils. And this gives me added power.
I will ask for my test results. Let's c if they are ok to provide me all the detailed results. Because it's weird they just gave me reactive status. That's it. Hope I don't have anything but if I have atleast I will know I did put my energy to understand things and not blindly believe in them.
Thank you so much
I will ask for my test results. Let's c if they are ok to provide me all the detailed results. Because it's weird they just gave me reactive status. That's it. Hope I don't have anything but if I have atleast I will know I did put my energy to understand things and not blindly believe in them.
Thank you so much
I don't know where you live, and you don't have to tell me, but in the US, Canada and UK at least, you have the legal right to view and get copies of all your medical records. They must give them to you on your request. In the US, they sometimes charge you for the copies, but they do have to give them to you.
Do you have a patient portal? Check that and see if the results are there.
I am a firm advocate for getting all your records, if only for your records in case you move or the doctor suddenly retires or something.
You absolutely should understand your diagnoses. Good for you. :)
Do you have a patient portal? Check that and see if the results are there.
I am a firm advocate for getting all your records, if only for your records in case you move or the doctor suddenly retires or something.
You absolutely should understand your diagnoses. Good for you. :)
I don't have patient portal. I tested myself in March after having sex and all my reports including pap smear came back negative. Hsv was not done then when I first time got infection spread around my vulva area. The then gyn took all my test. She saw what I faced and told me this is not herpes. But for my satisfaction she did do all the other reports too.
Then after that as my boils didn't stop after 5 months I again did all my test incl hsv on a proper swab and all other std test all came back negative.
I again got boils cephalexin was given to me but that didn't work again and got boils. However this time when I got boils I had gone for swimming not knowing I had boils and the next day I knew I had but still I went. My skin looked bad so again I went to doc. He told me to see a gyn. I showed the gyn that state of my skin he said it's herpes and that's it. I told him results for recent test ain't out but he still said I am 100 % sure it will still be false negative. The reports never came out. The doc said the test got rejected.
Next time I went the same doc who told me to visit gyn and also mentioned that the previous doc who took my test told me my reports were rejected. So he said I will make sure this time this doesn't. What did gyn said .. I said he said it's herpes and also gave me meds. I never used it though.
I had an appt with another doc for pap test. When she looked at my skin she said I don't think u have herpes. Only last time your skin looked bad could be coz of swimming pool ph levels. Your skin looks fine.
And the v next time I got call and I had officially herpes by pcr. And then he didn't even bother to visit me again. Sent another doc to tell me my reports standing right at the corridor letting the other doc know what he has to tell me. I told him I need hsv igg test too. So they mentioned there addl information tested positive by pcr. I told them I have no symptoms other than boils. Please e-check my pics and videos. Boils get cured without any pain with antifungal powder and no urination burning or prob. But they said we are sorry but that's all the results. Can it be wrong . No pcr is never wrong.what about symptoms and can u check my skin ... anything else. No.
We can test u next time when u have boils if u want. Also i had to ask him for medication.
Blood test came again positive but without values. This is the entire story.
I will keep u posted for sure.
Thanks for your time and energy .
Then after that as my boils didn't stop after 5 months I again did all my test incl hsv on a proper swab and all other std test all came back negative.
I again got boils cephalexin was given to me but that didn't work again and got boils. However this time when I got boils I had gone for swimming not knowing I had boils and the next day I knew I had but still I went. My skin looked bad so again I went to doc. He told me to see a gyn. I showed the gyn that state of my skin he said it's herpes and that's it. I told him results for recent test ain't out but he still said I am 100 % sure it will still be false negative. The reports never came out. The doc said the test got rejected.
Next time I went the same doc who told me to visit gyn and also mentioned that the previous doc who took my test told me my reports were rejected. So he said I will make sure this time this doesn't. What did gyn said .. I said he said it's herpes and also gave me meds. I never used it though.
I had an appt with another doc for pap test. When she looked at my skin she said I don't think u have herpes. Only last time your skin looked bad could be coz of swimming pool ph levels. Your skin looks fine.
And the v next time I got call and I had officially herpes by pcr. And then he didn't even bother to visit me again. Sent another doc to tell me my reports standing right at the corridor letting the other doc know what he has to tell me. I told him I need hsv igg test too. So they mentioned there addl information tested positive by pcr. I told them I have no symptoms other than boils. Please e-check my pics and videos. Boils get cured without any pain with antifungal powder and no urination burning or prob. But they said we are sorry but that's all the results. Can it be wrong . No pcr is never wrong.what about symptoms and can u check my skin ... anything else. No.
We can test u next time when u have boils if u want. Also i had to ask him for medication.
Blood test came again positive but without values. This is the entire story.
I will keep u posted for sure.
Thanks for your time and energy .
Wow, that's crazy. I hope you get the info, and definitely keep me posted!
Yes i will surely update. Even if I m Wrong I will... or right ... ..coz in any case atleast anyone else is in similar situation will know via me ..
Thank you so much ...
Thank you so much ...
I consulted a doctor online didn't do the tests again.... she told me after seeing all the pics n videos and also considering all my symptoms ... I don't have herpes
Thanks to all for the help...
Thanks to all for the help...
And yes pcr can be false positive if not taken correctly... doctor said u don't have blisters and boils doesn't resemble anything close to herpes.
Okay, my only concern here is that the PCR picked up some herpes viral shedding, which you wouldn't have symptoms for, so you can't know that you don't have herpes without blood testing.
If you can get a blood test, that would be really helpful.
If you can get a blood test, that would be really helpful.
If I don't have any symptoms.. that's it happy to be honest
And the doctor saw every pic and videos... she said it's not herpes... and said no need to do more test... even if it is in blood .. the point is the symptoms are not of herpes ...
I know that your symptoms aren't herpes. If your only goal was to find out if herpes is causing your symptoms, I could have told you that on the first day of your symptoms - herpes never causes boils.
However, it doesn't mean that you don't have herpes. It doesn't mean that the PCR was a false positive. The swab could have picked up on asymptomatic viral shedding on the skin that has nothing to do with your boils.
You could still transmit it without symptoms. That's why I suggested the blood test. The virus isn't in your blood, but the test looks for antibodies, which are in the blood.
It's up to you, though. You know that herpes isn't causing your symptoms, but you don't really know if you have herpes or not.
However, it doesn't mean that you don't have herpes. It doesn't mean that the PCR was a false positive. The swab could have picked up on asymptomatic viral shedding on the skin that has nothing to do with your boils.
You could still transmit it without symptoms. That's why I suggested the blood test. The virus isn't in your blood, but the test looks for antibodies, which are in the blood.
It's up to you, though. You know that herpes isn't causing your symptoms, but you don't really know if you have herpes or not.
Omg yes u told me that and beacuse of u i got little strength back .. to think... but somehow i was not totally convinced as so much was going on...
So the thing is the viral shedding u are talking about I told the doctor about it as well... and to me it happened due to laser operation.. so the bacteria I was already getting treated for with mupicron.. the doc checked that too... and as far as except one test .. which was done so wrong .. all other test done on me are negative... so I don't want to weigh importance to 1 test out of 4 test previously done and doctor advised me not to worry .. as I had lost lot of my health suffering this topic.
Also 1 out of 2 blood test are inaccurate... they just add so much to my worry... I can't get the American test done.. and I don't trust random labs and doctors after suffering so much.
I am glad I met u to clear my mind on boils and doc who reinstated my sense
Thank u so much... but I have gone through immense stress and after consulting doc I have made peace with myself.
So the thing is the viral shedding u are talking about I told the doctor about it as well... and to me it happened due to laser operation.. so the bacteria I was already getting treated for with mupicron.. the doc checked that too... and as far as except one test .. which was done so wrong .. all other test done on me are negative... so I don't want to weigh importance to 1 test out of 4 test previously done and doctor advised me not to worry .. as I had lost lot of my health suffering this topic.
Also 1 out of 2 blood test are inaccurate... they just add so much to my worry... I can't get the American test done.. and I don't trust random labs and doctors after suffering so much.
I am glad I met u to clear my mind on boils and doc who reinstated my sense
Thank u so much... but I have gone through immense stress and after consulting doc I have made peace with myself.
It's not true that 1 out of 2 blood tests are inaccurate. The hsv1 IgG blood test misses 30% of infections, and the hsv2 IgG test misses 8%. There is a possibility of false positives on the hsv2 test, but there are ways to confirm that.
In any case, it's clear that your current boil symptoms are NOT herpes. I'm glad you found peace about that. I'm not even sure why any doc would test them for herpes.
If you ever decide to further pursue the herpes testing, I can help with that. If you're good with it now, that's okay - your mental health is important. :)
Take care.
In any case, it's clear that your current boil symptoms are NOT herpes. I'm glad you found peace about that. I'm not even sure why any doc would test them for herpes.
If you ever decide to further pursue the herpes testing, I can help with that. If you're good with it now, that's okay - your mental health is important. :)
Take care.
Thanks for being so supportive and responding to me. I thank you for your time and effort. I have being thorugh this for almost a year.
And if you want me to be honest I personally think that those two docs just wanted to prove their point that I have herpes and how the lab test shows that too... is a mystery to me lol.... medical field is questionable when ego of a doc is hurt as doc opinion doesn't prove right. To prove their point they can go to any extend. I felt.
Coz they blatantly never wanted to see my case personally in a different light. Or even see my pics or videos.. or even consider my symptoms...
They just acted like robots to me. I have herpes or not was a secondary question. I went to them with boils ... they tested me straight with it... I told them the previous doc said I dont have herpes... it's some kind of infection mostly staph which is playing role...
3 test back to back negative ... but they wanted to prove it so they proved...
My question was just to give me medicine for the boils that's it... I understand they followed a protocol.. but they lacked the basic thing was a human treatment which was necessary... doc deal with many patients and I understand it's difficult for them to treat each one right.
Layman's opinion cam be worth too.
Thank you
Take care
And if you want me to be honest I personally think that those two docs just wanted to prove their point that I have herpes and how the lab test shows that too... is a mystery to me lol.... medical field is questionable when ego of a doc is hurt as doc opinion doesn't prove right. To prove their point they can go to any extend. I felt.
Coz they blatantly never wanted to see my case personally in a different light. Or even see my pics or videos.. or even consider my symptoms...
They just acted like robots to me. I have herpes or not was a secondary question. I went to them with boils ... they tested me straight with it... I told them the previous doc said I dont have herpes... it's some kind of infection mostly staph which is playing role...
3 test back to back negative ... but they wanted to prove it so they proved...
My question was just to give me medicine for the boils that's it... I understand they followed a protocol.. but they lacked the basic thing was a human treatment which was necessary... doc deal with many patients and I understand it's difficult for them to treat each one right.
Layman's opinion cam be worth too.
Thank you
Take care
Hopefully I am all ok and should not need any help but if I have any more questions or symtoms of herpes or anything ever I will surely take your help...
Thank u so much
From all my heart
Will never forget you were the 1st person online who told me my boils are not herpes. That gave me some hope to go back to doc .. in my case it was a big shock ...
U saved me in innumerable ways ...
God bless you
Thank u so much
From all my heart
Will never forget you were the 1st person online who told me my boils are not herpes. That gave me some hope to go back to doc .. in my case it was a big shock ...
U saved me in innumerable ways ...
God bless you
Awww I'm happy I helped. Take care. :)
Hugs :)
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
