[Question #6782] Equivocal results

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65 months ago
Hello, I got routine testing done and they tested for everything including a hsv 1/2 igg type specific  ab test I got tested a month after having sex. The range for that test is 
>.90 -negative .9-1.09= equiovoval <1.09 =positive 
The first time I got tested it came back .97 =equivocal so I waited 4 weeks retested and it came back 1.04= equivocal. 
I was told two equivocals means negative? Is that true or should I get retested. Can nexplanon birth control effect my results? They also tested igm the first time also and it came back negative but I know that one is not reliable. Thanks 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
65 months ago
So if this is your value 2 months out, I think it is likely that you are not infected.  Nexplanon cannot account for these results, no.  And you are correct that the IgM test is terrible. However, our problem with the IgM test is not false negatives (though that could also be a problem) but false positives.
You may wish to do a final IgG at 12 weeks out and if still equivocal, and you are still worried, you could obtain the herpes western blot but honestly, I think at that point, your confidence that you are not infected should be quite high.

Terri
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