What is the window for IGG hsv 2 with hsv 1 infection? Unsure if 12 or 16 weeks is best - taking into account hsv 1. Does 12 weeks account for that.

Also, I understand medication would interfere with accuracy. But would the compeed cold sore patch on lips for hsv1 have any effect on an hsv2 IGG after over 14 weeks? Would using any cold sore cream have any effect used only once after this period?

Also, are rapid finger prick tests reliable for hsv2 IGG test?

Would 15 weeks be considered effective for a rapid finger prick IGG test or the full 16 weeks?

It does take a little longer, maybe a couple of weeks at the most, for someone with HSV 1 to seroconvert to HSV 2 after a new infection.  The patch on your lip would not interfere with testing.

We have sesn many false positives on the finger stick tests for HSV.  And 15 weeks for that test should be completely adequate.  The IgG test for HSV looks for a single antibody protein that is different between HSV 1 and 2. the western blot looks for all 16 antibody proteins, so that's why someone should wait 12 weeks before doing a blot test.  You are well beyond that now.

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Terri

Appreciate your response.

Reading your posts, I am aware of the potential for false positives. However, I am a bit obsessed and I have had negative IGG tests several times previously - from 3 different labs - and several negatives from home tests with 2 different companies. This was over a ten year period. Would this mean all but certain up to my most recent adventure? Would this also imply I a out of the woods for false positives or can they hit anybody regardless? I plan to test tomorrow for peace of mind. I have been advised that this is guilt but this feeling still eats me up - although kept it together quite well reading your posts.

Just over 16 weeks ago now, I had a not even low but arguably zero risk exposure. Involved heavy kissing and mutual masturbation - I am a heterosexual male btw. 

Anyway, trying to move on, I have had 2 situations of red spots on my glands - no blisters. About 8 weeks and 2 weeks ago. However, went away very quickly. This was with an antibiotic ointment for an insect bite and athletes foot cream. The most recent event went away with water and drying. Does this indicate balantis? No way hsv2? No oral took place 16 weeks ago, just what is described above.

If not for this, I think I would not have bothered feeling the need to test, but with this, and the anxiety it brings I feel I must. Just hoping it is negative and trying to be sensible and calm. Appreciate your answers for the above questions.

Trying to be rational, but given I was slightly worried anyway, these episodes sent me down a bit of a rabbit again.

Prior to this, think I counted over 12 IGG tests I have had. Would this indicate very low chance of false positive and couple with the zero risk event described by experts, would you be extremely confident I am in the clear?

Will test tomorrow Terri, but would appreciate your expert view. 

12 negative IgG tests would strongly suggest that you do NOT have HSV 2, I would agree.  I am very confident, yes!

Terri