HSV IgG Results Interpretation Request please

[Confuzzled14]

Good morning,

About 7 weeks ago I visited my doctor due to vaginitis and dyspareunia symptoms.  I had a cut that my doctor said looked like a lack of lubrication/too much friction issue.  I was tested both by culture and serology for HSV. The culture came back negative.  The IgM (useless test I know) was positive, the HSV I/II IgG came back positive (3.6), but both the HSV 1 IgG Type specific and HSV 2 IgG Type Specific came back negative (both <0.91).  My doctor said I probably was recently infected and asked me to come back for re-test in 6 weeks. I was retested last Friday (exactly 6 weeks after first blood draw) and my results are the same: HSV I/II IgG came back positive 12.5 (combined test), but both HSV 1 IgG, Type specific and HSV 2 IgG, Type Specific came back negative (both <0.91). I asked my doctor for interpretation of my results and all he said was: "They haven't differentiated the IgM or IgG yet. The preliminary just looks for ANY antibody type." However, I have NO pending lab reports (and the latest said Final under "result status"). I have since followed up with him for update and have not received any response for 2 days now.  Do I have HSV 1 and/or 2? Do I need to be retested a third time? If so, by a different test type and if so, which? And when should I be retested? I should mention that my current partner was tested prior to our relationship for HSV and was negative, and since my "issue" he was tested again and still is negative for both HSV 1 and 2. Before my current partner (together for 4 months), the last sexual interaction I had was in early December 2011 (6 months ago). Other than this one "cut" (which I was told does not look like herpes at all by 2 doctors), I have had no symptoms or other lesions. I do not recall ever having cold sores before either. Any light you can shed on my current results would be greatly appreciated as my doctor is not responsive.

[Confuzzled14]

Hi Grace!

I cannot thank you enough for your response (and so prompt at that!) Your words have truly lifted a heavy rain cloud that's been hovering over my head for over 6 weeks now. I was hoping the combined shouldn't be interpreted as my other doctors in past had requested only the type-specific hsv tests (all came back negative). I wasn't sure if asking for the combined IgG was supposed to "add something extra." Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough response. This forum is a wonderful asset to the community. VERY much appreciated, confuzzled14

[gracefromHHP]

It's unfortunate that your provider is ordering the testing which he obvious doesn't understand :(  

your combined hsv1/2 igg of 12.5 is meaningless. it really shouldn't even be drawn on you.  

Your hsv1 and hsv2 type specific testing is both negative so you know you didn't have genital herpes prior to this partner. This partner testing negative for herpes on his testing means there's absolutely no reason to repeat any of your herpes blood testing at this point. You also don't need to see any specialist either!

should symptoms return, be seen to try to get a better idea of what they are but meanwhile, lube , lube and more lube!

grace

[Confuzzled14]

I'd like to add, please, my doctor finally replied via secure email correspondance the following interpretation: "Your total antibody count came back higher at 12.5, but the HSV differentiation is undetectable. This means either the assay cannot determine which type it is at this early stage, or they are NOT at all HSV ab, but just cross react with the test. (False positive).
Your choices are to repeat it again in 4-6 weeks, or to see an ID specialist who can sort out this dilemma. Sorry about the equivocal answer." Please let me know your thoughts on his response if possible too. Thank you.