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Got an "equivocal" result for HSV2 - false positive?
Here are my details:
- My last sexual contact in Oct 2016, unprotected intercourse with a rather promiscuous woman whose STD status is unknown to me. I have lost contact with her.
- I was tested on 5/2/17 (28 weeks after potential exposure) - Result of the HSV 2 IGG Type Specific AB were 1.02 "equivocal" (>.90; <1.09)
- Previously tested in April 2016. Result HSV 2 IGG Type Specific AB: < .90 "negative"
- Never had any symptoms that I would consider herpes, based on pictures and descriptions I've seen.
- No testing was done for HSV1. I have had cold sores and cancer sores over the span of my life (I'm 53) but they have been very infrequent. Maybe one every few years.
My questions:
1) I understand the WB is the Gold Standard and will be recommended in this forum, but in my case could the Biokit give me a definitive answer as to my status with an "equivocal" result?
2) What would you say is the likelihood that this IGG result is in fact a false positive?
Thank you!
- My last sexual contact in Oct 2016, unprotected intercourse with a rather promiscuous woman whose STD status is unknown to me. I have lost contact with her.
- I was tested on 5/2/17 (28 weeks after potential exposure) - Result of the HSV 2 IGG Type Specific AB were 1.02 "equivocal" (>.90; <1.09)
- Previously tested in April 2016. Result HSV 2 IGG Type Specific AB: < .90 "negative"
- Never had any symptoms that I would consider herpes, based on pictures and descriptions I've seen.
- No testing was done for HSV1. I have had cold sores and cancer sores over the span of my life (I'm 53) but they have been very infrequent. Maybe one every few years.
My questions:
1) I understand the WB is the Gold Standard and will be recommended in this forum, but in my case could the Biokit give me a definitive answer as to my status with an "equivocal" result?
2) What would you say is the likelihood that this IGG result is in fact a false positive?
Thank you!
Update: I had second HSV2 IgG test performed by a different lab on May 16. The result was negative: 0.40 - so the first equivocal result was not indicative of a true positive. I feel it was very bad practice for Planned Parenthood to call me on the phone with that equivocal result and tell me that I was positive for HSV2.
Equivocal isn't positive. Hsv2 tests are very sensitive and can pick up hsv1 antibodies or orher odd protiens of similar weight. This is pretty common. Just retest in a few weeks with another igg bloodtest. You can try labcorp if you want a differant lab. Do this before you seek other testing like the western blot
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Thanks feelingundone - really appreciate your quick reply!!
3) Would a better option to have another IGG test performed by a different lab? The recent one was done by Quest.
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Also, how long should I wait to either repeat the IGG test, take the Biokit test or take the WB test?
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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.
