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Is A Positive Vaginal Swab For HSV-1 Infection Conclusive?
Question: Any reason why a swab of a lesion on my vagina came back positive for HSV1 and a blood test for HSV1 and 2 were negative? No symptoms besides unchanged lesion.
Brief Answer:
Retest advised after 12 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation. If swab test shows positive results i would suggest you to take treatment without doubts. HSV infection is caused by HSV-1, an IgG blood test is only 91% sensitive so it can miss almost 1 out of every 10 cases. You may take a retest after 12 weeks or get a more specific test done Western blotting or PCR with 93-95% sensitivity.
Take care
Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer
A review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma
Retest advised after 12 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation. If swab test shows positive results i would suggest you to take treatment without doubts. HSV infection is caused by HSV-1, an IgG blood test is only 91% sensitive so it can miss almost 1 out of every 10 cases. You may take a retest after 12 weeks or get a more specific test done Western blotting or PCR with 93-95% sensitivity.
Take care
Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer
A review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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