Herpes IgG tests

[bb3327]

Hello,
I just got the HSV tests results as follows
Component      Your Value    Standard Range     Flag
HSV Type 1 IgG AB POSITIVE   NEGATIVE A
This assay may not accurately distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 and HSV 2. Recommend HSV 1 and 2 glycoprotein testing, when clinically indicated.
HSV Type 2 IgG AB POSITIVE   NEGATIVE A
This assay may not accurately distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 and HSV 2. Recommend HSV 1 and 2 glycoprotein testing, when clinically indicated.

I thought IgG tests are the ones that can differentiate between these two. But now I'm confused since I got both back as positive, but it says that this assay may not accurately distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 and HSV 2. From what can be seen, anyone has an idea whether it is a type-specific test or not?

Thank you very much!

[feelingundone]

You're very welcome. Congrats on the good news!!!!

[feelingundone]

That's the best and fastest way to figure this out. It's a shame more Dr's aren't up to speed on hsv and testing. I wish you luck and please keep us posted

[bb3327]

Hello! I just got my new tests back as type 1 positive and type 2 negative! I just want to keep you posted and bring to everyone's attention that such test as I did in the first place is totally misleading.
Thank you so much for the information and help!

[feelingundone]

There is an igg non type specific test.
My advice to you is go to another dr and get a type specific igg test for hsv1 and hsv2 and make sure they give you the numeric value of each test. Example hsv1 5.3 hsv2 1.8.

[bb3327]

Thanks for your reply. I found another post in this community who had the test as mine, only with positive indicator and no range, as well as a comment "This assay may not accurately distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 and HSV 2. Recommend HSV 1 and 2 glycoprotein testing, when clinically indicated". Someone replied to say it was a non-specific test. But anyhow I'll walk in tomorrow to get tested again with a different doctor.

[feelingundone]

Hsv testing is confusing. Hsv2 tests are very sensitive and cross over from hsv1 antibodies can lead to false positive results. This is the reason many experts don't believe in random testing in the absence of lesions or other hsv symptoms. I highly doubt you have hsv2.

[bb3327]

Hello, I just received a call from my doctor and she said that it meant both were positive and no further testing needed. I got even more confused...from what you know what kind of test they probably have run ?

[bb3327]

Also, just wondering, is there an IGG test that are not type-specific? If there is not, does it mean that every test called IGG should be type-specific?

[feelingundone]

You can have hsv igg specific tests for hsv1 and two. This is what I would do in your situation. The results that you have are confusing and worthless. Test again for your peace of mind. Do you get cold sores?

[bb3327]

Thank you for your answer. I've never had any symptoms before. I actually got tested two years ago for the igg specific and only got hsv1 back as positive. This one is actually the results I just did from a different doctor since I'm preparing for pregnancy. It really freaks me out when I saw both positive. So I just wanted to ask to see if this is a type-specific (from what I can tell it is not, but since it gives both results for hsv 1 and 2 I got confused).