False Positive on a IgG test?

[lewisville75067]

On 12/12 I went to the gyno for an annual exam.  While there I opted to get tested for all STD's.  I tested positive for HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec with a 2.52. The lab was LabCorp.  I have the lab results and could reference that if needed.  I have been reading others inquiries and it seems that some people are finding their low results (in the 1-1.6 range) to be a false positive upon further testing.  I realize that 2.52 is a bit higher than that but thought I would ask if you think it would be beneficial for me to procure further testing myself since I have also read that results as high as 3.5 could be a false positive. I have never had any kind of symptoms and do not know of ever having been exposed to the virus.  I am starting to read about other, possibly more definitive tests, that are available such as a WB, BioKit or an inhibition assay.  I see a common question to these inquiries is the time of the last sexual encounter.  Prior to the test my last encounter was unprotected sex on 12/8, just 4 days before.  Could this have affected the results?  I would like to know if you have any other info about where I could get these tests and if I need to ask specifically for them.  I would appreciate your opinion to see if additional testing would be suggested.  Anxiously awaiting your reply, thank you.

[feelingundone]

No. The antibodies are always there regardless of an outbreak or not. You can trust her negative WB

[refinedwarrior]

Wish I had read this when I got my lab results from Any Lab Test now on Aug 2 2012. This has been a damaging journey dealing with the news and situation thereafter with regards to the person I accuse of giving it to me. Glad to read this and happy she was negative in the end. Question though. Could it be that it was negative because when she was retested with WB her body was suppressing it?

[adityaC]

I recently got Herpes Simplex Virus 1+2 Antibody Panel Igg&Igm, Serum test and it does not specify type specific test. The result is 2.52 on both hsv1&2 as there was no individual result rather a combined test. You think that this may be a false positive and a retesting is required? To be honest I never had a symptom, no outbreak, just out of OCD got my test done. I am very sure I am not infected with HSV 2 or 1. Please write to me soon so can discuss further. I await your reply.

My result clearly mentioned hsv1&2 = 2.52 there was no different test result for hsv 1 hsv 2. Is it possible I dont have none... I am concerned.

Adi

[adityaC]

Dear AJ,

I recently got Herpes Simplex Virus 1+2 Antibody Panel Igg&Igm, Serum test and it does not specify type specific test. The result is 2.52 on both hsv1&2 as there was no individual result rather a combined test. You think that this may be a false positive and a retesting is required? To be honest I never had a symptom, no outbreak, just out of OCD got my test done. I am very sure I am not infected with HSV 2 or 1. Please write to me soon so can discuss further. I await your reply.

My result clearly mentioned hsv1&2 = 2.52
there was no different test result for hsv 1
hsv 2.
Is it possible I dont have none... I am concerned.

Regards Adi

[adityaC]

Hi Grace!

Greetings.

Dear Grace

I recently got Herpes Simplex Virus 1+2 Antibody Panel Igg&Igm, Serum test and it does not specify type specific test. The result is 2.52 on both hsv1&2 as there was no individual result rather a combined test.  You think that this may be a false positive and a retesting is required? To be honest I never had a symptom, no outbreak, just out of OCD got my test done. I am very sure I am not infected with HSV 2 or 1. Please write to me soon so can discuss
further. I await your reply.

[chantel77]

I recently received a rude call from a physician's assistant at an urgent care...i'd gone because of a bump around my vaginal area and a slight mark on my lip...i asked if herpes..on sight he said no (he thought a hair follicle) and didn't need to test...but recommended i do a blood test for all stds if i was concerned..

he called back monday to say i tested negative for everything except hsv2 and that my blood tested positive for antibodies..i asked what that means..he said i had herpes and left it at that...no help, nothing...very rude...

i'm very concerned and scared..i asked for a copy of my test results..the tests were done at labcorp...my hsv igg just says <.91 negative...my hsv2 says 3.15 high...i've been so concerned because i noticed two slight red bumps around my anal area..however, i have no pain at all on this or the other bump i mentioned before (which appeared one day and went away the next day)...i know that i have hemorrhoids around once per year and i don't know if it could be an early onset of this...currently..i have no pain when passing stools and have had no pain when touching these two areas...i'm concerned about this 3.15 though and combination of these bumps i noticed...

[gracefromHHP]

they just have never bothered to go for FDA approval. it's a test that has been in use for almost 30 years for herpes if not more at this point. you can trust the results.

congrats!!! glad you got answers!

if you don't mind posting a link to this thread or just reposting a short description of your situation to our low positive igg post, I'd really appreciate it - thanks!!!  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/low-positives---confirmatory-results/show/1097724#post_5968138

[lewisville75067]

Thank you again Grace.  I had the WB done and came back negative.  Although I an exceptionally glad to see these results they did come back also saying that it has not been cleared of approved by the FDA.  Everything I read describes this test as being the "gold standard" in testing.  I am curious if you have any info on why this is not approved by the FDA.

[gracefromHHP]

that was still testing early. repeat your testing at the 4 month mark or even just seek out a herpes WB at the 4 month mark.

[lewisville75067]

Grace, thank you for the advice.  I retested on 5/22 again with an HSV IgG Hepreselect Type Specific Antibody test.  This time the results came back 1.11 for HSV2.  Last sexual encounter was on 3/10 with the same partner with a condom this time.  Do you think with the decrease in the result (an it barely being over the the threshold) that means I would be a good candidate for a confirmation test?  I still have not exhibited any symptoms.

[gracefromHHP]

at this point, wait and repeat your testing 4 months after the last time you had sex and see what they show.  It's too early yet for any confirmatory testing and that's the easiest next step to take at this point.

no std testing is accurate just 4 days post encounter. consider repeating your testing at more appropriate times if the encounter in question was with a partner who's std status you aren't aware of. You can test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and ngu anytime after 1 week post encounter. syphilis after 6 weeks. herpes, hiv and hepatitis after 3 months.

grace