I received a 1.62 HSV-1 result years ago and decided to take a confirmatory Western Blot test. I usually get tested before engaging in a new relationship and have taken the test two years in a row. My HSV-1 and 2 results were negative both times. I’m in a monogamous relationship now and decided to take the test last year just as a routine screening. My partner was negative, but my WB result came back Indeterminate for both types. My PC doc called the lab and mentioned it was suggested to retake the test. I re-took it this month. My HSV-1 result is now negative, but HSV-2 is still Indeterminate. 

Would my HSV-2 result be considered negative since I’ve had two Indeterminate results? I noticed the lab report mentioned that two  indeterminate results at least three months apart means that HSV infection is unlikely and further testing is discouraged, but I just want to make sure that I’m negative. Does it make sense to request paired testing of those samples? I’m not sure what’s going on as my partner is still negative. I haven’t been with anyone else and I’m always sure not to drink or eat after people. I’ve never had any outbreaks or anything of the sort either, so I’m not sure what could be causing this result. 

I don't think repeating the blot another time is necessary if you did wait the three months, no.  Not even with paired testing, no.  I would think you are negative.  It would be interesting to have whoever order the first ones to ask the lab to review all four to see if there really are any differences between them.

Terri

About 8% of my patients get indeterminate results - the same protein seems to be setting all of them into indeterminate status.  it is all about some other virus/infection that people have likely gotten that is tripping the test.  But two indeterminates, 5 months apart, should be considered a negative.  No further testing is recommended.

TErri

Terri