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Concerned and Confused HSV2 Results
Hi.
Naturally, after receiving results that I was positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, I'm throughly freaked out. Yet at the same time I'm having some doubts and just wondering if anyone can help with confirming or denying my suspicions. Or really any advice as to what I should do next.
So Here's my situation: The Physician's Assistant told me that I tested positive, but it was so low (1.19 Is what I believe she said) that I'm "barely positive" and it means I was "exposed" but not necessarily ever going to show symptoms. Now I've been doing some research and from what I understand 1.1 is the level in which medical professionals are required to tell you your positive. However, through some of these forums I've read that " the lower the levels, the more likely the result is false" and at such low levels there's only a 30-40% chance I actually have HSV2. Also, on another website I was researching, someone asked "Of those of you who tested low positive for HSV2 and sought out confirmatory tests, what were your results?"
Now only %14 turned out to be positive and %42 of those who sought a second opinion, turned out to be negative i.e. not infected. I took statistics, but I'm still unsure of whether that is a good enough percentage to feel assured I don't have it.
Moreover, I read that there are studies which state that those who also tested positive for HSV1, had more of a likelihood of the HSV2 test being false. So I don't know if this is irrational speculation, but I tested negative for HSV1, so does that mean I have MORE of a chance of my HSV2 results being true?
And the fact that I even tested with a 1.19 inclines me to conclude I have it definitely, correct? As in even though it's really low and maybe not active, I can still spread it? Because I DO have it??
Obviously I'm very lost on the subject and not very knowledgeable as to the how the virus functions, so PLEASE any and all feedback is welcomed!! What does this alllllll MEANNN?!
Naturally, after receiving results that I was positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, I'm throughly freaked out. Yet at the same time I'm having some doubts and just wondering if anyone can help with confirming or denying my suspicions. Or really any advice as to what I should do next.
So Here's my situation: The Physician's Assistant told me that I tested positive, but it was so low (1.19 Is what I believe she said) that I'm "barely positive" and it means I was "exposed" but not necessarily ever going to show symptoms. Now I've been doing some research and from what I understand 1.1 is the level in which medical professionals are required to tell you your positive. However, through some of these forums I've read that " the lower the levels, the more likely the result is false" and at such low levels there's only a 30-40% chance I actually have HSV2. Also, on another website I was researching, someone asked "Of those of you who tested low positive for HSV2 and sought out confirmatory tests, what were your results?"
Now only %14 turned out to be positive and %42 of those who sought a second opinion, turned out to be negative i.e. not infected. I took statistics, but I'm still unsure of whether that is a good enough percentage to feel assured I don't have it.
Moreover, I read that there are studies which state that those who also tested positive for HSV1, had more of a likelihood of the HSV2 test being false. So I don't know if this is irrational speculation, but I tested negative for HSV1, so does that mean I have MORE of a chance of my HSV2 results being true?
And the fact that I even tested with a 1.19 inclines me to conclude I have it definitely, correct? As in even though it's really low and maybe not active, I can still spread it? Because I DO have it??
Obviously I'm very lost on the subject and not very knowledgeable as to the how the virus functions, so PLEASE any and all feedback is welcomed!! What does this alllllll MEANNN?!
Best Answer
Hi, if you did your test 2 or 3 months post exposure bottom line is you need retesting for confirmation as falls into the false positive range. If you tested eariler it is a sign of a recent infection and testing at the 3 months mark would be required to confirm.
I agree with Fleetwood. Wait until you're 16 weeks past exposure and get another IgG. If you really want to spend the money, however, you could certainly go for the Western Blot in 16 weeks and save the copay for an IgG that may come back inconclusive. The Western Blot will be conclusive.
"Building toward a positive" concerns the fact that the antibodies take between 12-16 weeks to generate enough to trigger a positive result on the blood test. You have tested positive for antibodies, but false positives have been reported with the IgG ELISA when the ab count falls under the 3.5 mark. Test again in 16 weeks.
"Building toward a positive" concerns the fact that the antibodies take between 12-16 weeks to generate enough to trigger a positive result on the blood test. You have tested positive for antibodies, but false positives have been reported with the IgG ELISA when the ab count falls under the 3.5 mark. Test again in 16 weeks.
Thank you for your feedback!
I'm still trying to understand herpes.....so the fact that I tested positive means I DO INDEED have it in my body? So I can't test any lower than my original 1.19?
That's what I'm not understanding, I get that 3.5 and higher indicates a "without a doubt", but if you fall in the low range and test negative the second time around is that like your not AS infected with herpes?
I am going to wait though and take another Igg and if that comes back again with a positive, I'm gonna do a WB. Or is that too much?
I'm still trying to understand herpes.....so the fact that I tested positive means I DO INDEED have it in my body? So I can't test any lower than my original 1.19?
That's what I'm not understanding, I get that 3.5 and higher indicates a "without a doubt", but if you fall in the low range and test negative the second time around is that like your not AS infected with herpes?
I am going to wait though and take another Igg and if that comes back again with a positive, I'm gonna do a WB. Or is that too much?
With herpes, there are only two states, infected or not infected.
Blood testing for the vast majority is conclusive, for an established infection the IgG outcome will be >3.5 and for a negative person 3.5.
You need to test again and need to balance cost, convenience etc. The WB is costly but the results can be taken as definitive.
Blood testing for the vast majority is conclusive, for an established infection the IgG outcome will be >3.5 and for a negative person 3.5.
You need to test again and need to balance cost, convenience etc. The WB is costly but the results can be taken as definitive.
Ok, if less than 3.5 means you aren't infected, than why do these doctors or physician's assistant's tell you, you are if your results are above 1.1?
I know that's the level that was given by HerpeSelect, but if it's isn't accurate than how are they allowed to ruin peoples lives by being able to tell you you have herpes. I mean I almost swallowed by tongue when I found out. So If I get another positive Igg, but a negative WB what am I to believe?
I know that's the level that was given by HerpeSelect, but if it's isn't accurate than how are they allowed to ruin peoples lives by being able to tell you you have herpes. I mean I almost swallowed by tongue when I found out. So If I get another positive Igg, but a negative WB what am I to believe?
The reality is that testing for a lot of ailments in life is just not fully accurate. I'm sure the tests are not designed out of malice for people. People are are individuals and unique bodies and immune systems. It isn't possible to design a 100% accurate test.
If the test designers had their time again, maybe they would have defined the cut off 1.0 as some other higher level. Regardless, there will always be an ambiguous range. It is the nature of using antibodies an proteins that stick to the glycoproteins in the testing wells.
I agree with you that a level from 1.1 to 3.5 should be discussed in the context of a low positive meaning that whilst not conclusive proof, there is something worthy of further investigation. The chances of infection are around 50/50 in this range.
I don't agree that a test ruins lives, although I agree doctors should be better at interpretation in some instances. It is your body and your choice as to who you sleep with after all. Medical science can only help you understand yourself and your ailments better than you can on your own.
The WB is a far, far more comprehensive test for antibodies than other commercially available tests and the results from this trump all others.
If the test designers had their time again, maybe they would have defined the cut off 1.0 as some other higher level. Regardless, there will always be an ambiguous range. It is the nature of using antibodies an proteins that stick to the glycoproteins in the testing wells.
I agree with you that a level from 1.1 to 3.5 should be discussed in the context of a low positive meaning that whilst not conclusive proof, there is something worthy of further investigation. The chances of infection are around 50/50 in this range.
I don't agree that a test ruins lives, although I agree doctors should be better at interpretation in some instances. It is your body and your choice as to who you sleep with after all. Medical science can only help you understand yourself and your ailments better than you can on your own.
The WB is a far, far more comprehensive test for antibodies than other commercially available tests and the results from this trump all others.
Thank you for your valuable feed back, since I have to wait three months to get tested again, I think I'll save up for the WB in that time and go ahead and get it. I rather know 100% in my heart whether I have it or not.
I just wish it wasn't such an arduous process.
& boy am I terrified to find the answer out.....
I just wish it wasn't such an arduous process.
& boy am I terrified to find the answer out.....
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
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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.
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