Is it possible to get a false positive for HSV2 on an iGG blood test after 3 negative Iggs all under .02? This is WITHOUT any sex or possible exposure.

Example

<.02

<.02

<.02

Then months later a low or false positive iGG for hsv2 without any sex or exposure ?

1. Have you seen this in practice or on the forums?

2. How rare is it?

3. How is it possible for the body to produce the antibody with similar weight that causes a false positive when it didn’t before ?

Thanks 

4. How is it possible for my body (or anybody) to contract a “protein” of similar weight to hsv2 without any sexual contact ? Is this protein something bodies naturally generate on and off ? Or something environmental? I’d assume the person would always get a false positive if they had this protein?

Just trying to understand how an iGG can go from negative to positive without sex.

4. How is it possible for my body (or anybody) to contract a “protein” of similar weight to hsv2 without any sexual contact ? Is this protein something bodies naturally generate on and off ? Or something environmental? I’d assume the person would always get a false positive if they had this protein?

I wish we had more information about this protein and whether it is something that you acquire or not.  but we don't.  The thing is, I have seen this repeatedly.  No sex, but a change in the result of an IgG test for herpes.  How low is the positive that you obtained? and how long after a concerning encounter did you do the initial testing?

Terri

The answers to questions

1. Have you seen this ? Is yes ?

2. And is it rare? It’s common ? If you’ve seen repeatedly?

If you could confirm those answers specifically that I’m understanding correctly 

And so all of the <.02 were over 17 months ago. The third test was 6 months after my last sexual encounter.

I’ve had no sexual contact in the past 17 months as I limit that to relationships.

I went to get tested this time not because I had any possible exposure but just to go with a new partner to get tested together before any sexual activity to make her feel comfortable 

My new value as of 3 days ago

HSV2: 2.1 

1. Have you seen this ? Is yes ?

Have I seen someone be negative then have a low positive subsequently with no new sexual exposure?  yes.  And that is particularly true if a different lab is used OR the lab changes test brands.  You waited long enough to get an accurate result.

2. And is it rare? It’s common ? If you’ve seen repeatedly?

I have seen it - I couldn't tell you how often specifically.

The other possibility if that the first two tests missed an infection and this one picked it up though I think that is far less likely

With an index value of 2.1, the CDC says you should obtain confirmatory testing, like the western  blot.  I seriously doubt that you have herpes but you are left with this low positive to deal with in some way.  With an index value of 2.1, there is probably a 50-50 chance that you have herpes except that you have this history of negative tests and no new exposures.  Confusing for sure.

Terri

I will definitely get the western blot to settle this 

But to ease my mind in the meantime , if you could explain to the best of your ability the following, I understand they may not all have clear answers possible 

1. How often have you specifically seen A CASE LIKE MINE with only multiple negative <.02 and then a positive and it end up being this cellular protein?

2. If it is this cellular protein, how did all three previous tests measure so low?

3. My concern is that

Wouldn’t the previous three tests have found something if this was a protein and not herpes 

Thank you so much 

I’m asking if you’ve ever seen it change without sex in a specific case like mine with multiple <.02 and no sexual activity 

I just don’t get how i could test so low multiple times if I have this protein in my blood that trips it

Mostly if your ever seen a case SPECIFICALLY like mine with multiple <.02 then a positive after no sex.

And if so how did the previous tests miss this “protein”

I know I asked a lot so I numbered the important question 

Thanks!

We only allow three posts per subscription but because I forgot to close out this post, I will answer once more

I honestly don't have a number for you, sorry, I don't keep track of that.  I have seen it, yes, as I previously stated. And I have seen people with multiple negative, then a low positive which was either negative on the blot or indeterminate.  Without a new sexual partner, I have not seen someone in this situation be a true positive.