Test Results-Interpretation? - Herpes Message Board

Truthseek · 10-15-2007, 04:58 PM

I know that most of the board readers are not doctors [and don't play one on the internet :-) ] but does anyone have experience with making sense of test results?
I stopped by my gyno today and asked for copies of previous and current hsv 1/2 type specific tests and this is what they show:

7-2003
HSV 1 IGG herpeselect .15
HSV 2 IGG herpeselect .03

9-2007
HSV 1 did not get that page but was told negative
HSV 2 IGG herpeselect 4.5 H < 1.10 normal range

I saw something online that said the higher the number (i.e. the 4.5) means that you've had the virus longer? Meaning if higher your body has built up more antibodies which are detected in the blood? So if mine is 4.5 does that mean it's more recent?

I had other tests done in later years but the doctor retired and I think my files are missing those. I know you can never really 'know' when you got it but I still lie awake at night wondering when this happened, did I miss some symptom.
Anyone who can 'shed' (NO PUN INTENDED!) information on the blood test numbers?
Thanks.

over21 · 10-15-2007, 06:44 PM

Your 7-2003 results show you're clearly negative.
Your 9-2007 result shows you're clearly positive for HSV2.

You infection happened sometime after 7/2003 and just before 9/2007. Other than that you're just guessing on the when, where and who by.

About the numbers, they don't mean anything. The however is, if you told me your 9/2007 was 6.5, then I'd say it's NOT a recent infection. But a 4.5 is a value that could be from a recent infection or long standing. It's a crap-shoot, and you'll never know for sure.

Don't loose sleep on things you can't control.....

O21

lilanne19 · 10-15-2007, 07:04 PM

The numbers definitely don't mean it's a recent infection, my first test was 5 and the second test less than a month later was 7. So I just had more antibodies when I took the second one (maybe I had an extremely mild ob that I didn't notice I was having, don't know). I just think they have more to do with whether or not there was a recent outbreak more so than when you required it. No test can tell you that.

catharine101 · 10-15-2007, 08:03 PM

Over21 -

You are always so good at explaining the test results!! I was actually waiting for you to respond on this one!!

I have no right to ask, and feel free not to answer if you prefer not to - but is your knowledge about test results etc. coming from experience, or a professional background??

Truthseek · 10-16-2007, 05:27 AM

Over21:
Thanks for the insight. I know I will never know 'when' for sure or 'who' for sure. But a timeline would be nice. I have to call my previous partner to let them know so that they too can get tested. I'm dreading that call but its the responsible thing to do. I don't want anyone else to have to go through/feel the feelings I have been feeling for the past weeks! Since the middle of Sept. I've had 2, just TWO, days of no ob symptoms. I know you guys say that this doesn't have to control your life and I'm hoping some of that positive life force can jump through these boards and jump start my life again but being so soon for me....I'm feeling kinda lost.