Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Tests Should Be Done To Rule Out HIV?
Question: I took a blood test one month after unprotected sex and had both HSV 1 and 2 come back negative. I retested 6 months later, and it has been 4 months since the last time i had sex, and had HSV 2 come back positive with a IgG of 1.17. Should I get retested? considering the low number
Brief Answer:
PCR test would be accurate
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your query on HCM.
I would like you to know that antibodies take time to develop after an infection. If you had been recently exposed to the infection it is possible that negative test earlier was due to lack of enough antibodies. The second test has picked up the rising antibody level. We can repeat the test but it may just add to more confusion. Therefore in my opinion you need to go for a PCR test done for HSV. PCR test is far more accurate than any other test .
Take care.
Dr Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Can PCR tests be done with no outbreak? I have never had any lesions or outbreaks as far as I know.
Brief Answer:
It can be done.
Detailed Answer:
Dear,
PCR test can be done from blood sample also although the lesion fluid PCR is more conclusive; but blood sample PCR can be done .
Dr. Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Last question,
Is the igG level low considering it was contracted either 6-4 months ago?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
No , it can not be said that the titre is low because it was contracted 6 months before , it can be false positive also that is why PCR is suggestible .
Dr. Shruti
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
