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Can Herpes Tests Show Erroneous Results?

Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016

Question: Hello. After possible exposure to STDs over a year ago, I got tested six times, and am having trouble interpreting the results related to HSV-1 (via IGG test). At 2 weeks, I tested positive for HSV-1, but at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4 months, I tested negative. Since then, I have had no symptoms and no possible exposure, but I recently tested again (almost a year later) for peace of mind, and came up positive. A week later, I did another test and came up negative! Given that I have 2 positives out of 6 tests, and my last one was negative, I am really confused. Just need help interpreting these results because they are all over the place, and it seems as though the likelihood of false positives may be greater than I thought....or not?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please, upload these results for review!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this exposure and confusing results. I will suggest that you go ahead and upload the report for complete interpretation so that I can weigh in. Results could be complex depending on what the exact procedure and reported component.

To upload an image, click on the upload icon to the right of your dashboard and follow the onscreen instructions. You may also send it directly to customer service at YYYY@YYYY and request that it should be uploaded to your query.

I hope to hear from you and promise to respond promptly. Until next, I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (27 hours later)

Many thanks for the quick response. The negative results were only expressed as "NEGATIVE" and "<0.13." The two positive results were expressed as "POSITIVE" and "1.25" for the first instance, and "1.08" for the second. No other information was provided. One doctor explained that positive results between 0.13 and 3.5 on IGG tests are considered questionable, so I don't understand why they are still considered positive and not "inconclusive" or something similar. The thing I find interesting, is that before the potential exposure occurred a year ago, my HSV tests always came back negative. It was only after the exposure that I started getting these low positive results. But again, there are only two positives out of six tests, and my last test was negative.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I will say negative is more likely than any possible positives!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I think these positive results with very low titers are very much questionable. To me, stay back be relax knowing there is very little to be worried about at this time. Unless something else comes up, stay calm. STOP doing any repeated testings for any reasons and stick to the believe of a negative state. All other results only add more confusion and are not really helpful.

I wish you well.

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar