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Can Herpes Tests Show Erroneous Results?

Posted on Mon, 5 Oct 2015

Question: I recently had a hsv 1 & 2 igg test my hsv 2 was high at 13.40 and my hsv 1 igg alwas high at 15.50 ...test 3 years ago negative for hsv 2 and hsv one was 2.51 ...could this be a false positive have you ever seen this happen...also retested and now hsv 2 negative how can this be can these tests crossreact
I have had shingles in the past and hpv positive

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tissue culture isolation of the virus

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

There is a low possibility for these tests to be false positive. One can become infected with the herpes virus even without having intercourse. Exposure to saliva, tooth brush, breath droplets can lead to transmission in addition to sexual transmission. Tissue culture isolation of the herpes virus is the best available investigation for confirmation of HSV. Antiviral therapy can be advised in consultation with your doctor to decrease shedding of the virus asymptomatically, if the HSV is confirmed.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

So would this be a definitive to diagnose hsv 2 blood work alone would you retest

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Yes, this would be a confirmatory test. This test also differentiates between HSV 1 and 2. Retesting would not be required.

Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 minutes later)

but can a doctor say you have hsv 2 by blood work alone or no and also have you seen false positive and are my levels high how the heck would I get hsv 2 when no partner has had sx

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Based on the raised titers, a diagnosis is suspected. Yes, false positives do occur. However, tissue culture isolation can be done to be sure and have peace of mind.

As mentioned earlier, One can become infected with the herpes virus even without having Sex. Exposure to saliva, tooth brush, breath droplets can lead to transmission in addition to sexual transmission.

Thanks

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