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Is Igg Blood Test Result For Herpes After 6 Months Conclusive?
Question: I had an igg blood test for herpes after 6 months, result was negative. Is this conclusive and is this the same as an igg type specific blood test.
Brief Answer:
91-100% RELIABLE.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
IgG antibody test against HSV indicates an old infection. IgM indicates a recent infection. HSV1 &2 can be differentiated when specifically ask for the same. They are highly reliable. They are sensitive up to 91-100% and specific up to 93-100%. PCR and viral culture are considered more specific as far HSV is considered.
Your physician can judge need for the same along with examination and other findings.
Dr S.Murugan
91-100% RELIABLE.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
IgG antibody test against HSV indicates an old infection. IgM indicates a recent infection. HSV1 &2 can be differentiated when specifically ask for the same. They are highly reliable. They are sensitive up to 91-100% and specific up to 93-100%. PCR and viral culture are considered more specific as far HSV is considered.
Your physician can judge need for the same along with examination and other findings.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do I take the test again or is a negative IGG test acceptable after 6 months. Other than being type specific can I consider the IgG antibody test and IgG type specific test to be the same test. I do realize the first one will not provide the type if positive.
Brief Answer:
Type specific test is important.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
If you did not have any high risk activity within 6 months, this test need not be repeated.
Type 1 produce lesions around oro-nasal folds and over eye.
Type 2 produce lesions around ano-genital region.
If you have lesions over genitals and if you have HSV Type 1 IgG positive, it may not be related to your sexual activity or indicates oral sex. Similarly if you have lesions over the lip and HSV 2 positive it indicates your past sexual activity. So the type specificity is also important for epidemiological purpose and also to predict the prognosis.
Dr S.Murugan
Type specific test is important.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
If you did not have any high risk activity within 6 months, this test need not be repeated.
Type 1 produce lesions around oro-nasal folds and over eye.
Type 2 produce lesions around ano-genital region.
If you have lesions over genitals and if you have HSV Type 1 IgG positive, it may not be related to your sexual activity or indicates oral sex. Similarly if you have lesions over the lip and HSV 2 positive it indicates your past sexual activity. So the type specificity is also important for epidemiological purpose and also to predict the prognosis.
Dr S.Murugan
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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