Are IgM Blood Tests Results Accurate?

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Question: I dated a guy with herpes. I have been tested numerous times for hsv by my obgyn. I have never had a symptom. My doctor did several igm blood tests over the course of over a year and each time negative. I read these are not accurate and i could actually have hsv and not know it.

Answered by Dr. Soumya (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes may not have infected you

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns about herpes.

I would like to tell you that the chances of transmission of herpes is not hundred percent though have had physical contact , sex with a person who is herpes infected.

If your immunity was good and your partner's immunity was good, it is possible that there is no transmission of herpes virus and hence you are not infected.

As you said the other possibility is that these tests are not accurate enough to identify herpes. Sometimes they might flare up if your body immunity goes down. But then, nothing needs to be done as of now.

Let me know if you need anymore help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T