[Question #8646] low positive hsv2 igg blood test with no symptoms ever

41 months ago

I've had cold sores but never had hsv2 symptom. last year Got full STD panel and hsv1hgg was + (43.0) and hsv2hgg was ? (3.9) so they did a supp test and it was NEG. just got another and hsv1 was + (44.0) and hsv2 was ? (4.0) but supp test said POS. since i've never had an hsv2 outbreak of any kind and the numbers 44 vs 4 are so different - do i have genital herpes? would i have to tell every partner that I tested POS? i know it's not rec to get the antibody blood test if no outbreak b/c of this distress and confusion so now i kind of wish i didn't get it. do i have both oral and genital hsv?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

41 months ago

Let me guess - it's LabCorp. I know have more than 60 patients who have had supplemental tests that are positive with negative western blots, the gold standard test. This is a terrible test and should not be relied upon. I would strongly recommend that you obtain the herpes western blot, done only at the University of Washington. It is the gold standard test and can clear up any discrepancies with IgG testing and supplemental testing. You can work with your own provider to get this test or I can help you at westoverheights.com. There is a reasonable chance that you are NOT infected and your high HSV 1 result is providing some cross-reactivity with HSV 2.

Terri

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