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Is A False Positive Possible In An HSV-1/2 Blood Test?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: I recently got divorced after 15 years of marriage and had my gynecologist test for STDs as a precaution. My HSV2 blood test came back positive; however, neither my ex-husband or I have ever had any outbreaks or symptoms of any kind. I'm unsure exactly what test was done. I do have oral HSV-1 since childhood and fear that may have affected the test results. Should I have a confirmatory test done?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Go for confirmatory test if it was an equivocal result

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern.

If the test you did had an equivocal value i.e borderline result Or value just outside the normal reference range then you must go for a confirmatory test; it is possible that it may have been a false positive result due to cross reactivity with Hsv-1. However, if it was an unequivocal value i.e well above the normal reference range then it is most likely true.

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

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

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Is A False Positive Possible In An HSV-1/2 Blood Test?

Brief Answer: Go for confirmatory test if it was an equivocal result Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern. If the test you did had an equivocal value i.e borderline result Or value just outside the normal reference range then you must go for a confirmatory test; it is possible that it may have been a false positive result due to cross reactivity with Hsv-1. However, if it was an unequivocal value i.e well above the normal reference range then it is most likely true. Regards