Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Low positive for herpes HSV-1

I am wanting some medical advice about the results of the herpeselect test that was done about a week ago. It came back negative for herpes type 2. But it showed that I am positive for herpes type on (oral). First time I called they said the results were 1.01 for the value and this second time 1.06. Either way this is low. I have been reading alot threads about this sort of test not being accurate for HSV-2 with low false postive but not a whole lot about HSV-1. I am not sold on the results and want to know if any one else pegged with HSV-1 got a low false positve or if a medical provider has some insight on this. Greatly appreciate it.
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
OK thanks. I feel better. I guess I should just take care of myself and confirm I don;t have it with the WB test but if I do then its not the end of the world.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HSV1 is HSV1 no matter where it is. Oral or genital. You cannot give someone HSV2 without HSV2 yourself.

Remember that as more than half the population have HSV1, women are prepared to take the risk rather than not have oral sex. If a woman already has oral HSV1 then a genital infection is highly unlikely.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Fleetwood20. I will get that WB. I guess my concern is that it can be transmitted to a partner via oral to give them HSV-2.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The proportion of low positives that are false is quite a bit lower for HSV1 than HSV2.

I don't know why this is. There are an incredible number of strains of HSV1 and they can only use one strain in the testing wells. I've often wondered if this is a reason why HSV1 testing misses up to 10% of infections.

If you are concerned, then a Westernblot may be the way to go.

Even if you have HSV1, why be worried? This is something that 50% of people get in their youth.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't think the test is accurate enough and have been telling myself to not worry and that I do not have it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That is good news. I only have been tested once. The first person read the values as 1.01 and the second time I re-checked and the fella read my value was 1.06.
Helpful - 0
3149845 tn?1506627771
Hi well the good news is the your values fall into the low false positive but im confused. did you have 2 tests as you mention 2 values. if you had 2 tests the bad news is you tested positive twice which is conclusive so to speak.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
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.