Herpes Blood Test Results

[Bugginout]

Hi Dr,

A couple of weeks ago I had a general check up and ask my provider to run a full STD panel because I had not had one in a while. I specifically asked him to run a herpes blood becasue I find that Docs will be reluctant to run them if you are not showing any obvious symptoms. To my suprize initally he informed my that I tested positive for HSV-2. The following is a message I received from my doc.

This is your values. As you can see, it is mildly elevated. This assay is type specific and will differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. A false positive result cannot be completly ruled out. This is one of the reasons to repeated in 4-6 weeks.

Component Value Flag Low High Units Stat
HERPES I IGG 0.09 <0.90 index Fin
HERPES II IGG 0.12 <0.90 * index Fin
Comment: Index Values for HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG Antibodies:
Negative Less than 0.90
Equivocal 0.90 to 1.10
Positive Greater than 1.10

Looking at the table I could not see how I tested positive. I had asked him about false positives and he had said that it would be a good idea to have the test retaken in 4-6 weeks. Later on I received a message staing that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were negitive. He had the inital sample retested and came back with 0.11.

Today was my follow up visit and he had stated that the initial sample "qualified" but when further tested did not "quantify." So I had bloods drawn again today for retest. Basically what I am looking for is a better explaintion as to what is going on. I have been consumed by this "Herpes Phobia" for much too long.

Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Bugginout]

Thanks Again for the info Doc.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Sorry, I don't know.  But it doesn't matter, since your quantitative result was definitively negative.  Last post.

[Bugginout]

Hi Dr.

Sorry you were right, the words I believe that were used was qualitative and quantification. Initailly failed quanlification but passed quanitfication. I am really not sure as to what this measn either. He had mentioned that the sample could have been prepared improperly etc. Does this make any sense?

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I don't know what a "qualified" result means; never heard the term.  Maybe he meant "qualitative", but even that terminology is not normally used with these tests.

[Bugginout]

Thank you doctor for the quick response.

My provider had actually suggested that I be tested again after the inital test to confirm. Initially, he had told me that the sample "qualified" But when "quanified" by titration showed a negetive result. This was the source of my confusion. With the supposed accuracy of these newer tests I though it was a fairly clearcut fool proof answer. Thanks again for you time.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Then I don't understand why you had another test today.  It was a waste of money and energy.  You don't have HSV-1 or HSV-2.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Did you have an HSV-2 value that was over 0.90?  Clearly the 0.11 result is negative, and you can be confident today's test also will be negative.  IF it is, you can be confident you aren't infected with either HSV-1 or HSV-2.  However, it takes up to 3-4 months for the test to become positive, so it is theoretically possible you were infected if that much time hasn't passed since your last exposure.  But if you have had no symptoms, with your current test results you can be virtually 100% certain you are not infected.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[Bugginout]

Also I forgot to add. My last sexual encounter was around 6 to 7 months ago.

Thanks Again