HSV-2 low pos, questions regarding retesting

[helphelphelpme2]

Here's my history:

March 2012:
Did a routine check-up at Quest, and everything turned out fine. Doctor didn't test me for HSV-1, but I used to get cold sores, so I know I have it.  
HSV 2 IGG Herpeselect Type Specific AB - 0.52

October 2012:
HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec - 5.66 HIGH
HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec - 1.54 HIGH - tests performed at LabCorp.

From November 2011 to present, I have had 2 monogamous relationships. Both partners have gotten tested this year, one in April and one in July, both clean. I have no symptoms, and neither do they.

So my questions:
1) Why it is advised that I retest if I get a low positive less than 3.5? According to the ASHASTD website, the IGG antibody test is supposed to be VERY accurate: "100% of the labs using gG-based tests accurately reported that the blood sample was negative for HSV-2." The IGG antibody test has also stood up to the WB in comparison tests, so why the confusion regarding the cut-off scores? This is something that I'm going to ask my doctor on Monday.

2) What does this mean: "Co-infection cannot be excluded without type specific testing." Is it possible that a high positive for HSV-1 could have affected my HSV-2 value?

[gracefromHHP]

you tested way too early from this last partner but since you  had a low positive the 1st time and a negative the 2nd time and this partner showed you his herpes results and they were negative, no reason for more testing. you've confirmed that you don't have hsv2.

[helphelphelpme2]

I got my first positive test two weeks ago and my negative test last week. I haven't had sex since early November.

My partner from May to November showed me his lab results and he's clean. My other partner confirms that he has gotten tested as well.

[gracefromHHP]

when had you last had sex prior to your 2nd test?

also confirm that your current partner did have herpes testing done. it's not a part of routine std testing and they might just be assuming that they were tested for herpes and didn't have it done.

[helphelphelpme2]

I got retested and this time my results for HSV-2 IGG were 0.59. I'm confused! Help?

[gracefromHHP]

it can be as high as a 50% false positive rate which is why we recommend the confirmatory testing.  

[helphelphelpme2]

but isn't it only 3% of the results are false-positives? i'm just trying not to get my hopes up...

[gracefromHHP]

there are false positive issues with the igg blood testing. since you have a low positive and have had no symptoms to culture, indeed you should seek out confirmatory testing. we recommend the herpes WB and how to get one done in the US is posted in our read before posting post on the forum.

grace

[helphelphelpme2]

Correction: I got tested November 2012, not October.