HSV 1/2 IGG Type Specific test: False negative?

[soconfusednow]

About three years ago, I became convinced that I had genital herpes when my partner came to me complaining of a swollen lesion in her genital area.  It was very painful and she described other symptoms which seemed to fit an initial herpes infection (lethargy, body aches, etc.).  At the time this happened, I inspected my penis and found what also appeared to be herpetic sores (small crusty sores on the head of my penis).  I also had similar herpes-like symptoms, lethargy being the most prevalent.

I never had any other outbreaks, but she did.  She'd describe the same symptoms to me and herpes just seemed to be the best possible explanation and we settled on that.  She had probably a total of 3 outbreaks.  Since we believed we both were infected, we continued to have regular unprotected sex in the years following.

I should add that I believe it was my own unwise behavior that exposed my partner and I to infection.  I strongly believe that she was always faithful and that I made the mistake of sleeping with other people who were high risk.  The first notion I ever had of possibly being infected was when she came to me with her first symptoms and then upon inspecting myself also found sores.

Two days ago, I took an HSV 1/2 IGG Type Specific test from Quest labs which came back with < .90 for both HSV-I and HSV-II.  (Negative.)

I'm no longer with this partner, but I have contacted her with this news and have requested that she be tested as well.  I'm not sure how willing she'll be to do this, I think she's pretty much convinced that she has it and might not want to risk getting her hopes up only to be disappointed.

I'm confused now... I don't know what to do.

Am I positive or negative?  What should I do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes you may but I have already outlined the considerations regarding how her test results impact you above..  EWH

[soconfusednow]

Thanks, doc.

May I update this thread when/if I have results from my partner?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There is nothing in science that is 100%. the Type specifc tests are excellent and detect over 98% of proven herpes infections. The chances that you are in that 2% are small.  Try to put this behind you.  EWH

[soconfusednow]

I guess what I'm wanting to know is how definitive this test is.  What is the likelihood an error was made?  Given that there were no errors in the testing, what is the likelihood of a false negative?

I understand that the two main causes of false negative are recent infection and compromised immune system.  Neither of those fit as an explanation.  

I suppose I just want to hear a doctor tell me that this is 100% before I believe it.

Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

A diagnosis of herpes can be mimicked by any number of other problems, many of which are not STDs.  Hindsight will not help us to determine what was going on when you came to your initial conclusions but the test results now pretty much rule out that you had herpes  (I agree with the statemtne Grace has made on the HSV Community site).  Thus you do not have the infection.  I agree that it would be in your former partner's best interest to get tested for HSV. If she too has negative tests this makes it even more certain that neither of your problems years ago were HSV.  If it is positive, that does not change that you do not have HSV.  People can have sex with infected partners for years and still not acquire the infection.

Hope this helps.  EWH