Hi,

I wanted to inquire about the sensitivity of herpes blood testing. I had a test done at about 10 weeks since the last possible date of exposure (Sep 25th) and came back negative for both herpes 1 and 2 (IGG), as well as negative for all other STDs. My partner was not exhibiting any signs to make me think I was exposed, it was just my last incident of unprotected sex. Since august (prior to the incident) I had been experiencing sporadic vaginitis (mainly general discomfort due to dryness and itching tended to occur more when I stressed about it and disappear when I was focused elsewhere) but this has subsided completely as of early November. I have a lot of anxiety and I believe this contributed a great deal. For about 3-4 days mid October I had some mild spotting (mostly post exercise) that fell around the middle of my cycle and continued a couple days past ovulation, but hasn’t happened since. I did not have any visible sores or lesions. I do not think that would be considered an outbreak, but I just want to ensure that if in fact an outbreak had occurred, that it would show up in a blood test over a month later (the test was done on December 1st). I would assume that an outbreak would contribute to the production of detectable antibodies at this time. I know they say to wait up to 12 weeks to test, and as I tested around that time I just want to be sure I can rest easy in my negative test result! I do have an IUD and know that all of these things can also be more common with that according to my doctor. 

Thank you!