Conflicting test results for HSV-2. Help!

[llam005]

Hello. I recently got a STD screening on 4/21/17 and had some conflicting results. I already have HSV-1, which was from a very long time ago. I am confused regarding recent test results for HSV-2.

The HSV-2 IGM test came out with a result of 0.93 which put me in the "equivocal" range. (Negative: 0-0.79, Equivocal: 0.80-1.09, Positive: 1.10+).
The HSV-2 IGG test (same labwork result) came back negative with a result of 0.60. (Negative: less than 0.90, Equivocal: 0.91-1.09, Positive: 1.10+).

I was confused and a bit depressed. Does this mean I got infected with HSV-2? The PA told me that the IGM test suggests I was exposed to it recently. She told me to come back and retest in a week (so 2 weeks from when I got blood drawn on 4/21). I later read online that the IGM test is not very reliable and that it is not really able to distinguish HSV 1 and 2.

I just got these results this morning. After doing more research online I stumbled upon a nearby testing clinic for HSV-2 that claims to be more accurate than the IGM test. Website: http://californiaherpes.com/?gclid=CLjBrbjpz9MCFdeLswodzbAO3g

I went to the STD test clinic where they drew some blood (from finger) and did a HSV-2 Immunoassay antibody to gG-2 test where he said I was negative.

Am I in the clear? Should I go back to the original clinic next week to retest? I am also wondering if I should find a different doctor after this. Also, since I've been doing more research online it seems like IGM test does not differentiate between HSV 1 and 2, so how does this lab have an IGM test for HSV 2? It also had an IGM test for HSV-1 but that was negative.

[feelingundone]

Sorry for the spelling errors. Fat fingered the phone. Lol

[male0992]

What about the other test. I mean the IgG test. Is it someone that performly positive for that test may have HSV.

[feelingundone]

Igm tests fir hsv are useless and should not be given to adults. The original clinic is clueless about hsv and testing. The fact they wanted you to come back and test again so soon backs my statement.
Your negative and absolutely no reason to retest. Never let anyone talk you into an igm. Even cdc is against the test in adults.
My advice is.. don't spend another second thinking on this. Just move on. I soend a tremendous amount of time on this forum dealing with people just like you who got testing they shouldn't have and confusing results. Igm are notorious for equivocal and false positives.

[llam005]

Thank you for your response! I guess I won't go back next week for the retest then. Do you think I should find another doctor? I feel like it was pretty unprofessional of them to just let me think I was positive from the IGM test when it is not even a reliable test (and was not positive, just equivocal). Do most doctors still use the IGM test? I don't know why they had both IGM and IGG on the same lab report.

[feelingundone]

Most Dr's are not well versed in herpes or it's testing. To them it's just a skin condition that doesn't have nuch health implications. When they deal with cancer, heart disease...etc hsv seems trivial.
Unfortunately a lot seem to still use the igm. I would just chalk it up to them not being up to speed on hsv and just be happy you are negative.

[llam005]

Sorry, one last question: My lab report has 2 separate IGM tests for HSV 1 and 2. Based on what I have found online the IGM tests are usually combined. Do you know why this lab has them separated? Based on other sources I thought IGM couldn't tell the difference between 1 and 2? The list of the tests from the lab: https://www.abclab.com/abc-includes/testlist.php

#0517 and 0518. Did new IGM tests come out recently where they can differentiate between 1 and 2?

[feelingundone]

No new tests. They can't "accurately" differentiate the two. Don't worry about the igm.

[llam005]

Thanks!