[Question #6556] herpes test results help

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67 months ago
Hi,I received these results:
HSV 2 IGG        2.04    High   
                
HSV 2 IGG  Confirmation          Positive                                                           Negative                                                                                                                                                                  Abnormal   
                                                                  HSV2 IgG type spec                                 HSV2 IgG Confirmation                                                    Interpretation                                                                                                                                                            Pos/Equiv                                                        Positive                                                                                      Indicates presence of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          detectable antibodies to HSV2

                                                                 Pos/Equiv                                                         Negative                                                                                    Unable to confirm the presence of IgG
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         antibodies to HSV-2. Recommend retesting in 2/4 wks.

Does this mean that I definitely have HSV-2?    
Should I get a Western Blot?  Thanks!

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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
67 months ago
I have very little confidence in the commercially available confirmatory test. Your index value does fall into the low positive range and in my opinion, a Western blot is indicated. Since herpes is a lifelong infection, I always feel that the best diagnostic test should be used to identify infection. At your index value of 2.04, there is about a 50-50 chance that you will confirm as positive by Western blot. You can work with your own provider to obtain this test or you can work with me through the WestoverHeights.com website.  These two tests combined do not definitely tell you that you have herpes type II

Terri
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67 months ago
Thank you.  I have taken Valtrex for suppression (for hsv1). I read it can affect test results. How long should I wait after stopping Valtrex to take the Western blot test? I called to order the test earlier today.
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67 months ago
I only took Valtrex when I had an outbreak.  Not daily. My last dose was about 2 weeks ago.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
67 months ago
If you are only taking Valtrex episodically, you can take the western blot at any time.  The only concern we have about timing of the use of antiviral medicine impacting test results is it someone starts taking daily antiviral medicine when they are first infected.  That's not you.

Terri
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