[Question #13105] Help with HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec & HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec Test Results

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2 months ago

Hoping for clarification on my test results. I went to my PCP 1/5/25, with pain & redness that keeps re-appearing in the same spot every few weeks where I urinate (vagina) for past 8 months. Urinalysis - results BLD 5 rbc, BIL neg, URO norm, KET 10 mg, PRO neg, NIT net, GLU neg, pH 5.0, SG 1.025, LEU neg, COL It yellow, CLA clear. Dr did a quick visual exam & said it was Genital Herpes. I requested confirmation testing. Dr ordered a HSV 1 & 2 Ab, IgG blood test. I received the results today. HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec Val "Non Reactive" Ref Range "Non Reactive". HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec Val "Reactive A”, Ref. Range "Non Reactive". Nurse called & said that I was positive for HSV 2. I asked her to explain - why did the Range say "Non Reactive” & not a numerical # (noting I believed that was contradictory). Nurse couldn't answer my question & said she needed to speak to the Dr., she wasn't sure if they had scrolled to the right on the test results to see the "Non Reactive" on test range. Have you seen this before? 



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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
2 months ago
I suspect your test was done at LabCorp.  They do not give numbers, simply "reactive" which means positive, or "non-reactive" which means negative .  Your test suggested that you are indeed infected with HSV 2.  There are fewer false positives on the LabCorp test than others, but we know there are a few false positives for HSV 2 on this test.  If you want confirmation of this result, I suggest you do the herpes western blot through the University of Washington
Terri
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2 months ago
Understood, yes, through LabCorp. I will order the suggested Western blot test to confirm. I'm devastated...I've been with my husband for 13 years. I've been faithful & he denies cheating or ever having symptoms (I had no reason to suspect he was cheating until I received the results). The sudden onset of symptoms started end of 10/24. When I went 11/1/24 to PCP for 1st visit, they didn't test but suspected yeast infection & gave me a prescription. It seemed to go away for a bit before returning a few weeks later & would come & go ever since. I thought (now wish with all my heart) this could be a recurring yeast infection, since the soreness seems to improve with Lotrimin. Before my husband, I have history of DV/SA that resulted in extreme exam anxiety & that's why I waited so long to go back to Dr. I called my OB GYN from 2007-2022 & they said I didn't have any STD testing, but PAP's were always clear. Is it more unlikely or likely that HSV 2 could have been dormant for 13 + years? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
2 months ago
It is very hard to say, but I'm glad you are doing the blot. Are you doing it through your own provider?  And you know it is the western blot at UW for sure?
Terri
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2 months ago
I plan to sign up for your Video Consultation & follow your steps on ordering the blot test on your website (Westover Heights Clinic). Since I received the HSV test results on my PCP's portal, I haven't received a call directly from my Dr to discuss (despite the request made). Nurse said that she would make an in-person appointment for me as soon as the NuSwab Vaginitis Plus (VG+) test sent to Labcop came in. So I'm unsure whether or not my PCP would agree to complete Blot Test. At this point, I would feel more comfortable with your expertise weighing in on a second opinion. The results for my NuSwab test just came in (viewing on portal, sending in case it helps on any input you can provide now) with the following results "Atopobium vaginae" Val (High 2 A), BVAB 2 (High - 2 A), Megasphaera 1 (High - 2 A), Candida albicans, NAA (Negative), Candida glabrata, NAA (Negative), Trich vag by NAA (Negative), Chlamydia trachomatis (Negative), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Negative). Also, with additional Urine Culture, Routine (Val - Final Report), Result 1 (No growth). 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
2 months ago
Those results look great, thought I don't know what these mean  "Atopobium vaginae" Val (High 2 A), BVAB 2 (High - 2 A), Megasphaera 1 (High - 2 A)"
If you are indeed positive for HSV 2, then you must not be shedding the virus very often if your husband is still negative after many years of having sex. Is he worried about this?
If you want to do the blot through me, great, but you could also work with your provider, but you need to get the kit - call 206-685-6066 and they will send it to you, regardless of who you work with to get the blot.  You'll need that to get started.

Terri
 
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