[Question #12845] Hsv follow up concerns

4 months ago

Follow-Up: HSV-2 Anxiety After Nov 1 Exposure

Exposure:

Nov 1 – Insertive anal sex with a man, condom broke (I’m uncircumcised, no oral contact). Partner claimed regular STI testing.

Testing:

Dec 27 – Urine NAAT: gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas – negative

Jan 21 (Day 80) – Quest HSV-1 & HSV-2 IgG – negative

Feb 21 (Day 112) – Repeat Quest HSV-1 & HSV-2 IgG – negative

HIV 4th gen at days 80 and 112 – negative

Syphilis at day 91 – negative

No new exposures since Nov 1

Symptoms:

Ongoing irritation on scrotum and occasional irritation at base of penis – no sores or ulcers

On March 30, noticed a small red dot on underside of penis head after masturbation – painless, faded same day and resolved over a few days

Concerns:

Could HSV-2 still be possible despite two negative IgG tests at 80 and 112 days?

Could this be prodrome or atypical HSV symptoms?

Would the Roche HSV test offer meaningful reassurance beyond the two Quest IgG tests?

Or is it better to go straight to the Western Blot?

I'm trying to move on, but lingering anxiety is affecting my relationship. I’d really appreciate your perspective.

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

4 months ago

I think it is very likely that you don't have HSV 2 and that these are not prodromal symptoms. And yes, a LabCorp test would be better and provide greater confidence than the Quest test. The blot would of course be best.

If you have lingering anxiety, I would go with the blot if you can afford it. That's what I would do if I were in your situation anyway

Terri

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4 months ago

I noticed that u only have appointments for next month is there a way to have any sooner? I do wish to do it and hopefully move on with this. Does he irration sound like it could be herpes I'm just unsure that it isn't constant but maybe coming back at the end of the month/ being of months

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

4 months ago

I am going to be out of the country for a month, that's why there are no appointments until May. I am going to look at my schedule for layover times at airport, etc to see when I can open my schedule for short periods of time in the month. I can only suggest that you check my schedule periodically to see what I can open. But you can work with you own provider and UW to get this done - call 206-685-6066 for the kit and talk to your own provider about doing this while I am away.

Terri

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4 months ago

Hi Terri,

I recently ordered the HSV Western Blot kit from the University of Washington, and it should be arriving in 5–7 days. I have an appointment with my doctor on the 14th, but their office seems unfamiliar with the process and how to proceed with handling the test.

I'm located in Minnesota, and I’m hoping to make this as simple as possible for them. My doctor’s office is willing to handle the ordering and paperwork, but they don't have an in-house lab for blood draws.

I have access to an Any Lab Test Now location nearby and plan to go there for the blood draw only once my doctor signs the order and provides the necessary paperwork.

Could you please outline:

What my doctor needs to fill out or send with the sample

Instructions for the lab that will do the blood draw

How the sample should be shipped back to UW

I want to be prepared so the process goes smoothly once I have the kit.

Thank you so much for your guidance

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

4 months ago

Your doctor will need to fill in their NPI number, address, phone, and diagnosis code. Instructions for the lab come in the kit. You should ship the sample 2nd day air, afternoon delivery and you should buy that label before you go to the lab and they will ship it for you once it is done. Be sure you call the anylabtest now office before going in - some, now, won't do kit draws.

Terri

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