I had a negative western blot and 2 negative igg tests and a negative culture from a lesion in my lip.  But I get pimple like lesions on my back buttocks and shoulder areas that are similar to herpes lesions description.  Can I feel relatively sure that I probably don't have herpes or are  western blots not accurate for some people?  Thank you

A negative western blot and two negative IgG tests and a negative swab test are enough evidence that you are not infected with HSV.
Herpes lesions would not normally occur on the shoulders or back also.  But with the testing that you've done, you should feel completely reassured.  Is any test perfect?  Is this the best there is?  Absolutely

Terri Warren
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Thank you Terri. One thing though.  About a month before the western blot test I might have been taking a moderate valtrex dose I can't exactly recall the time frameDo you think it could have altered the accuracy of the results and should I take another western blot to be sure ?  Thank you

Valtrex can alter the results of the western blot yes.  Is there a particular incident you are concerned about? How long ago was that?  How long did you take Valtrex?

Terri
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The actual sexual incident was four years ago so I am not concerned of too early testing.  I had valtrex that I i intermittently took I just can't recall how close to testing for western blot I took the valtrex.   It might have been a month before where I took it for 3 weeks 500 mg bid.  Should I retest to be sure the valtrex didn't alter results with a false negative? (G-d forbid)

What matters is the duration of time between a concerning encounter and testing.  Given it was four years ago, any Valtrex taken does not matter at all.  We are only concerned about antivirals being taken very close to the time of the new infection for an extended period of time.  If the immune system cannot see the virus because the antivirals are working so well, it cannot make antibody and thus the test will be falsely negative.  This applies only to brand  new infection with Valtrex extended dosing.

Terri
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