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HSV 2, Western Blot

Okay.  Last week my doc told me I tested positive for HSV 2 with a score of 1.3.  I plan to get a Western Blot and called the Quest Lab in my area and they say that they offer the Western Blot.  My doc is willing to order the test for me but I just WANT TO BE SURE this is indeed the Western Blot that I need.

I won't take the test for a few months just to make sure the antibodies aren't playing me.  I want to be sure if I have it or not. How long should I wait?

So what is my question?  Do I need to contact the Univ of Washington to get them to order the Western Blot to the Quest Lab in my area or do I get my doc to put in the order for the test #34534 at Quest?

You guys are saving my life and my sanity.  Thanks!!
Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Best of luck to you. I got 2 low positive scores similar to you 1.24 then 1.19 and going to quest tommorow to send my blood.
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Avatar universal
I'm waiting to see if the antibodies grow more.  Does that sound as ignorant as I think it does?  If I've got it, I want to know for sure.  If I don't, I want to know for sure.  I read somewhere that 16 weeks is the amount of time it takes for the herpes virus to infiltrate the blood.  Is that correct?  Or am I misinformed?

You have been so helpful!  
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Avatar universal
Once you have a technically positive ELISA, as you do, the WB can be done at any time. There is no need to wait.
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Avatar universal
I don't know when I was exposed to the herpes virus.  My last STD blood test was in June 2011 and I've had more than one partner since then.  How long should I wait to take the test?  16 weeks?  18 weeks?  

I'm dating someone new and I've already told him about this "situation".  I just need to know how long to wait before taking the Western blot test.  I want this cleared up once and for all!

Thank you so much HowardH!  I do hope you are correct!
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Avatar universal
It's probably obvious, but by "they" I meant Quest Lab.
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Avatar universal
There is only one HSV Western blot test.  They and almost all commercial labs send their WB specimens to the University of Washington clinical lab in Seattle, where the WB test was developed and perfected. (It's practically the only lab in the US that does the test.) So you can be sure you'll be getting the right test.

And by the way, you can expect a negative result. Even though an HSV2 score of 1.3 is technically positive, most people with such low numbers in fact are not infected.  My fingers are crossed for you!
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