Accurate Blood Test...? - Herpes Message Board

cmill32 · 12-27-2005, 09:56 AM

I have a question about the accuracy of a certain blood test done to indicate HSV2 infection. The test that I have had done twice already, and plan to take one last time @ 13 weeks, is a test that my doctor explained that is required to detect HSV2 antibodies...according to the doc and the nurses, this test is very accurate, but I read that only the Herpes Select test and a couple other ones out there are the only ones you can trust...but when I mentioned "herpes select" bloodtests to both my gyno and my doctor, they gave me a funny look...I don't think they knew what I was talking about. Anyway, the thing I want to find out is if a blood test that is specifically meant to dectect HSV2 antibodies is trustworthy...since this is the tests I've been taking....thank you

keepsgoin · 12-27-2005, 02:58 PM

I've heard the best test is called IgG blood test. Just remember that you really can have hsv1(usually associated with cold sores) genitally. So if you get tested only for herpes 2 but what you really have is herpes 1, it's going to be negative. I do not know if the IgG test tests for both or not...anyone know that answer? Also, I've read that 13 weeks is about as soon as you can expect it to show up positive in a blood test so probably the earlier tests were pointless. But you should have a test what will test for both(1 and 2) antibodies. There are cases of genital herpes in virgins because oral sex is becoming very common so people are getting genital herpes when their partner has cold sores.

cmill32 · 12-27-2005, 03:04 PM

So do you think this test is accurate??? another thing....I highly doubt it's HSV1....never once got a cold sore...the problems I've been having for 3 months now is all genital, and the person who I think may have given it to me(was with him only once)...I did not perform oral on him, and he did not perform oral on me.

keepsgoin · 12-28-2005, 08:02 AM

That doesn't sound real likely for hsv 1 unless he has hsv 1 genitally. Probably, the reason you've gotten neg. test results is it was just too soon. As I understand it from reading here and articles that the IgG blood test is the most accurate test available. What I read was, you can pretty much trust that if your test says positive then you can pretty much trust you have it, but if the test is negative, you can't trust that to be true. If you haven't already done this, search for the herpes manual written by Terri Warren and read it, it's an informative read written my a nurse and it tells about the blood test.

megarra · 12-30-2005, 12:30 PM

It might take up to a year for a blood test to show accurate results. And you should still get tested for both I and II. I got HSV I in the genital region from my boyfriend who also has HSV I in the genital region. They ought to quit calling it I and II and automatically test for both because there really is no difference nowadays.

But, having said that - there is one good thing about getting HSV I in the genital region (or getting HSV II orally): Since that the virus is present on the part of your body that is less preferred by that particular virus, you will tend to have a lower frequency of outbreaks then if you have HSV II in the genital region or (HSV I orally).

So, I silver lining on a bad cloud, I guess you can call it.