Herpes IGM positive test, IGG negative

[Care360]

I recently had an igM and an igg blood test done for herpes. It would have been 9 weeks post possible exposure. My igg both came back negative. My igM came back positive. The ranges for the igM test are HSV 1 igM titer 1:80
HSv 2 igM titer >1:320
I have no idea what these ranges mean. My doctor would not explain them to me. I have done research regarding the igM test and that it is not to be used. But I'm still concerned what these ranges mean.

[feelingundone]

You're very welcome

[feelingundone]

Think of igm tests as an early detection test. Igm antibodies are the first on the scene. A week or two after infection. Then the igg antibodies take over. This alone should stop a dr from giving this test as your exposure was 9 weeks ago. Put this out of your mind. You are negative.
One more tid bit. Your test at 9 weeks is over 85% conclusive. Meaning over 85% of people would test positive by 9 weeks.

[Care360]

That's what I was reading also, that at 6 weeks post exposure 70% of people show up positive for igg antibodies. I very much appreciate your help

[feelingundone]

You are correct igm can not accurately distinguish between the two. Your numbers are low. I really hate that igm is even on the herpes testing menu when it's so incredibly flawed in every way.

[Care360]

I agree, it's very frustrating because it can have false positives up to 70-80% of the time, according to the research I've done. But im just confused on how the test itself works lol.

[feelingundone]

You are way over thinking this.

[Care360]

The only reason I was asking was because I couldn't find anything regarding the numbers. To what I understood the igM test can't differentiate between 1 and 2 so how do they come up with those results with the titer?

[feelingundone]

Lol. Ouch. This dr needs to go back to school.

[Care360]

Do you know if there's anywhere to find information regarding the ranges? I've read everything possible on google about igM tests and herpes and I have not been able to find anything in regards to the igM titer ranges. Because from what I understood the igM test can't differentiate between HSV 1/2

[feelingundone]

Those are typical low positive numbers associated with igm testing. Disreguard the igm results all together. Your dr probably wouldn't explain them because he doesnt understand them. Lol
No need to be concerned with your igm results at nine weeks. Your igg is negative.

[Care360]

Thank you! I was just super confused because he wouldn't explain it to me. He just said "there's no way it's a false positive because they are very high, significant numbers"