I received results of my Univ. of WA Western Blot HSV 1 and 2 test and they both came back as “indeterminate”. I read the clarification on the document, but I still don’t know what this actually means. My primary care provider told me there could have been a lab error, my immune system could have been fighting something off at the time of my blood draw, (I guess that can interfere with the test) or there could have been recent exposure where my body is just now developing antibodies, (which I think I can rule out because my partner is negative and I don’t come into contact with other people). She mentioned I should get re-tested about a month or so after my last blood draw, but I saw something on the website that spoke about seroconversion and completing paired testing within three months of the last blood draw. Could someone advise?  I’m pretty confused here. Also, my blood sample was supposed to be overnighted, but it was delayed by a day. Could this have something to do with the result? 

Having both HSV 1 and 2 come back as indeterminate is unusual but I've definitely seen it more than once.  The timing of when you had your blood drawn in relation to when you last had sex is important in understanding these results.  People can have indeterminate results for one of two reasons:  1) someone is in the process of making antibody folllowing a recent infection or 2) you have an antibody protein in your blood that is one of the antibody proteins associated with herpes.  Except it is also associated with other viral infections - not necessarily anything to do with herpes.  That is what most indeterminates are all about.  And since your partner tests negative and you don't have sex with others, that's what your indeterminate is all about.  For most people, they stay indeterminate always (unless they actually are developing antibody due to a new infection) which you are not.  Getting retested in a month, in your situation, would not be useful.  Delaying delivery by one day would not make a difference. UW did a study that found samples could be stable for a week or even longer. 

This is NOT a lab error not is it likely something else about your immune system. 

Terri

Where you mentioned “2) you have an antibody protein in your blood that is one of the antibody proteins associated with herpes.  Except it is also associated with other viral infections - not necessarily anything to do with herpes”, would that mean another viral infection got in the way of the test? Just want to confirm if this result means that I have both HSV 1 and 2. I’m kind of rattled because I’ve had a false positive using the standard test offered by my PC doctor, which is why I used the Western Blot two years in a row. I got a negative result both times. I haven’t been with anyone other than my partner since my last negative test. This is my third time taking it. I’m assuming this is something I need to discuss with my partner since he’s negative? I don’t want to put him at risk of anything. 

Terri

What would be the point of retesting in one month?  That would apply if you or your partner had had a different partner but neither of you have so what would be the benefit of waiting one month and retesting? 

Anyway, all she needs to do is call the lab and ask to speak with one of the lab techs in the western blot lab and ask to have the three years of blots compared.  I'm not sure they them for three years but maybe.

Terri