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Tests, tests, and more tests
I've posted on this forum before regarding confusing Herpes blood tests. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in my confusion. Although, it's also disheartening to see how many people have trouble interpreting results. I'd like to lobby for more accurate testing and informed practitioners.
In any case, I've posted before about confusing Herpes results. Since 2006, I've now been tested for Herpes I and II *six* times!
Here's my test result history:
April 2006: Positive Herpes II test result (doctor did not indicate what test was performed, but said over the phone that the test results appeared "strange" so recommended I come in for another test the next day)
May 2006: Negative Herpes II test result (doctor did not indicate what test was used)
August 2006: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II, but *equivocal* IgM test result for Herpes II (at a value of .91)
October 2006: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II; Negative IgM test results for both I and II
July 2007: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II
September 2008: Negative Type Specific IgG test result for Herpes I, but positive Type Specific IgG for Herpes II (at a value of 1.11)
In between these tests, I have been sexually active with two partners who have had no symptoms of Herpes. In fact, I asked my last partner in July 2007 to get tested for STDs, and his doctor told him it was not necessary to get tested for Herpes since he has had no symptoms (which I now don't buy!). In any case, my partners and I have consistently used condoms.
I've had no symptoms to date. So, what would you recommend at this point? I've heard the Western Blot Herpes test is the "gold standard." Should I ask for this test since my positive Herpes II test result was low?
Thanks.
In any case, I've posted before about confusing Herpes results. Since 2006, I've now been tested for Herpes I and II *six* times!
Here's my test result history:
April 2006: Positive Herpes II test result (doctor did not indicate what test was performed, but said over the phone that the test results appeared "strange" so recommended I come in for another test the next day)
May 2006: Negative Herpes II test result (doctor did not indicate what test was used)
August 2006: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II, but *equivocal* IgM test result for Herpes II (at a value of .91)
October 2006: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II; Negative IgM test results for both I and II
July 2007: Negative Type Specific IgG test results for both I and II
September 2008: Negative Type Specific IgG test result for Herpes I, but positive Type Specific IgG for Herpes II (at a value of 1.11)
In between these tests, I have been sexually active with two partners who have had no symptoms of Herpes. In fact, I asked my last partner in July 2007 to get tested for STDs, and his doctor told him it was not necessary to get tested for Herpes since he has had no symptoms (which I now don't buy!). In any case, my partners and I have consistently used condoms.
I've had no symptoms to date. So, what would you recommend at this point? I've heard the Western Blot Herpes test is the "gold standard." Should I ask for this test since my positive Herpes II test result was low?
Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
As a generic question about STD screening, I would say that far and away, the most important STDs to be tested for are chlamydia and gonorrhea. For women screening for trichomonas is also important. STDs such as syphilis are quite rare and while they tend to be included in screening panels, they are rarely positive. Everyone deserves an HIV test every year or so, as long as they are occasionally haaving sex weith new partners as well. EWH
Doc,
Thank you for the information. I would like to clarify that I have not specifically asked for any of the herpes tests, they are simply included in the STD screening I asked my doctors to run. (Each of my doctors and the nurses in the offices all, unfortunately, provide me with different information about what my results mean.)
In any case, am pursuing a Western Blot test for HSV.
If I may, I would like to ask you a follow-up question. Since you do not advise more herpes tests, which STD tests do you recommend? I like to be screened before and after I have a new partner.
Thank you!
Thank you for the information. I would like to clarify that I have not specifically asked for any of the herpes tests, they are simply included in the STD screening I asked my doctors to run. (Each of my doctors and the nurses in the offices all, unfortunately, provide me with different information about what my results mean.)
In any case, am pursuing a Western Blot test for HSV.
If I may, I would like to ask you a follow-up question. Since you do not advise more herpes tests, which STD tests do you recommend? I like to be screened before and after I have a new partner.
Thank you!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I went back and read your earlier exchange with Dr. Handsfield. I agree with the advice he provided to you in the past and feel that the situation has not changed. Let’s deal with your tests test-by-test.
First, IgMs. The only thing the IgM test is good for is for making money for the company that makes it. IgM tests in herpes diagnosis are not type specific, tending to cross react with lots of things and giving many false positive test results. They are a waste of your time and money and should not be ordered; if they are ordered, their results should be ignored.
Your type-specific test results. In the time since your last post, we have learned more about the type specific tests including that well over 75% of "positive" or equivocal results in the rage of your result (1.11) are also false positive. The over time your results are fluctuating between negative and "low positive" is and almost sure indicator that you do not have HSV-2. If I were you, I would listen to what has just been said and move forward, knowing that at this time I did not have HSV-2. If you cannot do that, then I would seek either a Biokit assay or a Western blot, either of which will be negative. (The Biokit is only for HSV-2). At that time you will have still more evidence that you do not have HSV-2.
Bottom line - you do not have HSV-2 at this time and do not need further testing. EWH
First, IgMs. The only thing the IgM test is good for is for making money for the company that makes it. IgM tests in herpes diagnosis are not type specific, tending to cross react with lots of things and giving many false positive test results. They are a waste of your time and money and should not be ordered; if they are ordered, their results should be ignored.
Your type-specific test results. In the time since your last post, we have learned more about the type specific tests including that well over 75% of "positive" or equivocal results in the rage of your result (1.11) are also false positive. The over time your results are fluctuating between negative and "low positive" is and almost sure indicator that you do not have HSV-2. If I were you, I would listen to what has just been said and move forward, knowing that at this time I did not have HSV-2. If you cannot do that, then I would seek either a Biokit assay or a Western blot, either of which will be negative. (The Biokit is only for HSV-2). At that time you will have still more evidence that you do not have HSV-2.
Bottom line - you do not have HSV-2 at this time and do not need further testing. EWH
I should add that I have not been sexually active since October 2007.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
