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I went to get a full panel STI test back in May of last year.
All came back negative except for HSV2. I had an index value of 1.30. I had never had any symptoms. I posted here and someone suggested that I should retest because the values were so low.

I waited until just recently (last month) to retest and the results were
Neg HSV 1
Pos HSV 2 index value 1.16
The test that were used both times were IGG tests

My questions are:
What does this mean?
What are the differences between an IGG test or an IGM test?
Should I test using an IGM?
Can you transmit HSV2 with such low values?
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207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your test is a really, really low positive, and most experts think that anything under a 3.5 needs to be confirmed.

Don't test with an IgM - that is supposed to look for a new infection, looking for a certain type of antibody, but it's unreliable in herpes testing, as it doesn't differentiate well between new infections and older ones, and it can cross react with other herpes viruses, like chicken pox.

You have some options. Since you've never had symptoms, you can assume this is a false positive, and go on as if you never tested positive. I understand that it may not be easy to do for some people.

You can get another IgG test, and see what that says, but you may end up with a similar result, which leads you nowhere.

You can test with a different type of herpes test, like the BioKit or the Western Blot.

The Western Blot is a great confirmatory test, but isn't that easy to get. Your doctor can order it, but if they won't (and some doctors don't understand the nuances of the IgG false positives), you can get it from the Westover Heights Clinic, which I'm linking below.

The BioKit is done in office, and your doctor should be able to order this test for you.


You can read more about these tests here - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/ This is a free handbook written by Terri Warren, who is one of the leading experts on herpes.

If you need help getting a WB test, she can help - https://westoverheights.com/herpes-video-consultations/ If your doctor doesn't order it, you will have to self pay, and it can get expensive.

If your doctor has any questions - https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm Scroll just about halfway down to find the section on testing and false positives.

There are no right or wrong answers here. It's entirely up to you what you decide to do. Let us know if you have any questions.

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