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Possibilities of False Positive, Strange Scenario
Hello everyone. Hopefully the experts are still active on this forum, as my friends and I have gained a ton of insight about HSV from the Doctors (Handsfield, Hunt, etc.) over the years. (Thank you!)
BACKGROUND: My current situation is worrisome. To be transparent, I've been [irrationally] phobic of HSV for years. I've tested once or twice a year for over a decade. Each year, I've received negative results on HSV-1 and HSV-2. I've almost always used the same lab, whose methodology is consistent (Type-Specific AB, ELISA). It's the exam given by Quest Diagnostics. Even to this date, I've never presented physical symptoms.* With my "phobia," I would have been keenly aware of possible blisters, tingling, or other sensations I've read about. I admit to overreacting to pimples and ingrown hairs, which is to say I'm consistently mindful.
SITUATION: About a week ago, I noticed a seeming pimple in my genital area. I overreacted, as usual. However, I was made to feel better that it was firm to the touch and "popped." Gone in a few days. It did not look or act like a blister or sore. It did spark me to get a test this week. I had not been tested in a bit over a year.
For multiple reasons, I could not get a quick appointment at Quest or any "formal" lab. I visited a "Spa." The spa extracted blood and sent it over to a smaller Lab they use. The lab came back with reactive results on both HSV-1 and HSV-2. There was a note underneath saying there may be cross reactivity with other antibodies. I called the lab and asked if they performed a "HerpeSelect" test or an ELISA test or some other kind.
COMPLICATION: Apparently, the lab performed an "immunofluorescence" exam. I cannot find information about the reliability of this exam vs other [previous] types. I also still haven't seen any symptoms - no cold sores, no blisters. No tingling. After speaking with the lab technician, it's unclear to me what cross-reactivity there might be with other antibodies. For example, I've tested with a low titer for a RArthritis-related antibody. I've also had shingles and chicken pox.
ASK: Would any of the experts in here please comment to help clarify my confusion as to these "reactive" results? Naturally, I'm doing my best to manage the reaction. Considering this was a longstanding phobia, I'd like to be a bit clearer as to process and possibilities before I fully accept what currently feels like awful news.
Thank you.
BACKGROUND: My current situation is worrisome. To be transparent, I've been [irrationally] phobic of HSV for years. I've tested once or twice a year for over a decade. Each year, I've received negative results on HSV-1 and HSV-2. I've almost always used the same lab, whose methodology is consistent (Type-Specific AB, ELISA). It's the exam given by Quest Diagnostics. Even to this date, I've never presented physical symptoms.* With my "phobia," I would have been keenly aware of possible blisters, tingling, or other sensations I've read about. I admit to overreacting to pimples and ingrown hairs, which is to say I'm consistently mindful.
SITUATION: About a week ago, I noticed a seeming pimple in my genital area. I overreacted, as usual. However, I was made to feel better that it was firm to the touch and "popped." Gone in a few days. It did not look or act like a blister or sore. It did spark me to get a test this week. I had not been tested in a bit over a year.
For multiple reasons, I could not get a quick appointment at Quest or any "formal" lab. I visited a "Spa." The spa extracted blood and sent it over to a smaller Lab they use. The lab came back with reactive results on both HSV-1 and HSV-2. There was a note underneath saying there may be cross reactivity with other antibodies. I called the lab and asked if they performed a "HerpeSelect" test or an ELISA test or some other kind.
COMPLICATION: Apparently, the lab performed an "immunofluorescence" exam. I cannot find information about the reliability of this exam vs other [previous] types. I also still haven't seen any symptoms - no cold sores, no blisters. No tingling. After speaking with the lab technician, it's unclear to me what cross-reactivity there might be with other antibodies. For example, I've tested with a low titer for a RArthritis-related antibody. I've also had shingles and chicken pox.
ASK: Would any of the experts in here please comment to help clarify my confusion as to these "reactive" results? Naturally, I'm doing my best to manage the reaction. Considering this was a longstanding phobia, I'd like to be a bit clearer as to process and possibilities before I fully accept what currently feels like awful news.
Thank you.
Just one addition for context. I just called the Lab to see if they had a quantitative analysis as part of my "reactive" score. They sent an amended report. The HSV-1 was slightly over 4. The HSV-2 was 1.23. I'm still thrown off by the different type of exam and the fact I've never experienced a physical symptom. Thanks for any insight.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
