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

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?
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
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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