igm and igg? Please help - Herpes Message Board

jencor2 · 08-29-2006, 09:10 PM

Dr called me today I had STD testing done. all test were negative except herpes I tested positive for 1 and 2. I have had cold sores all my life. The dr told me my test were non type specific. Which I shouldnt be too concerned cause I probably have herpes type one which cause me to test positive for type 2. my question is I have been reading and is there a non specific test for igg is igg a test or just an antibody they can test with a non specific type test. I am freaking out here I have never had any symptoms of type 2 herpes. someone please advise I would so appreciate it I can't even get to sleep I am so worried about this

over21 · 08-29-2006, 10:09 PM

The best thing to do is get copies of your test results so you can post them here.

It sounds like the doctor gave you the wrong test, either an IgM test, or a combination IgG test for HSV l/ll. The IgM test is a non type specific blood test and should be avoided. The result only muddy the waters and add confusion. There are older non-type specific IgG blood tests. These tests alone aren't much help since 60-80% of the population has oral herpes (HSV1), and you won't know your HSV2 status.

The correct test is an IgG type specific blood test, giving you a separate result for HSV1 and HSV2. The brand name 'HerpeSelect' is the most common in the US. IgG is a class of antibodies. The IgG antibodies for herpes are specific to herpes. Meaning if you have these antibodies, then you have the virus.

1 in 4 adults over the age of 12 (yes, twelve) has genitals herpes, yet 90% don't know it cause the symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.

jencor2 · 08-30-2006, 08:34 AM

so there are tests for non type specific igg? My dr told me not to be concerned cause a positive 1 could cause a positive 2 and most likely would because they are not type specific but I am still worrying thanks for your reply

jencor2 · 08-30-2006, 08:46 AM

why do doctors freak patients out and give these old tests if there are newer ones and if 80 percent of the population has type 1 and when you test the non type specific cannot differeciate between the two and gives you positives for both I just don't understand that. I have been reading on the internet that most health care providers do do the old tests

CloudySkies · 08-30-2006, 10:36 AM

I have just recently (yesterday) had blood work done and on the lab sheet it says I am being tested for HSV - IgM and IgG with follow-up blood work in 6 weeks. What does this mean exactly?

I'm confused by the two different tests as well...and wonder why the Dr. is calling for follow-up blood work in 6 weeks? If I test positive, doesn't that mean that I am and if so why more blood work in 6 weeks?

Confused....can anyone shed some light on this please???