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Is HerpeSelect Type-selective Test After 14 Weeks Of Exposure Conclusive?
Question: I recently got a IGG herpeselect test from Quest after 14 weeks of exposure. Both HSV 1 and 2 came back <0.9 (Negative).
However, I am concerned that I still may have herpes in my blood but it is just too early to detect. Should I repeat the testing at 6 months. Is it possible to get an exact number (i.e 0.2) instead of just "less than 0.9"
Also, what does this index number mean, and is it possible to have an index number of 0?
However, I am concerned that I still may have herpes in my blood but it is just too early to detect. Should I repeat the testing at 6 months. Is it possible to get an exact number (i.e 0.2) instead of just "less than 0.9"
Also, what does this index number mean, and is it possible to have an index number of 0?
Brief Answer:
the diagnosis is clinical
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the primary infection of herpes virus is usually diagnosed clinically. The best test is to examine specimens from the lesions themselves instead of the serum antibodies. If the serum antibodies are either negative or equivocal then a repeat testing after 6-12 weeks can be done, although it's not normally needed because the clinical manifestations of the infection would be evident.
Antibodies can be detected 2-3 weeks after transmission. 14 weeks is a lot of time. I suppose you can't get an index number of zero. In tests like this, various factors may come into play and affect the result. That's why there is no clear cut answer sometimes. Clinical data play the most important part in diagnosis.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
the diagnosis is clinical
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the primary infection of herpes virus is usually diagnosed clinically. The best test is to examine specimens from the lesions themselves instead of the serum antibodies. If the serum antibodies are either negative or equivocal then a repeat testing after 6-12 weeks can be done, although it's not normally needed because the clinical manifestations of the infection would be evident.
Antibodies can be detected 2-3 weeks after transmission. 14 weeks is a lot of time. I suppose you can't get an index number of zero. In tests like this, various factors may come into play and affect the result. That's why there is no clear cut answer sometimes. Clinical data play the most important part in diagnosis.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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