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Is It Possible To Have A False Positive HSV 2 Result?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015
Question: Two months ago, I had a HSV 2 result of 1.12. I am completely disturbed by this. I have never had any type of genital outbreak in my life. I have done some research on-line and most of the information indicates it can very likely be a false positive. My boyfriend, whom I have had a lot of sex with was told today is range is 0.13. Would you please clarify this for me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Is it possible to upload the results?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these results and the disturbing thoughts this has caused you guys. Laboratory methods are different and to interpret these results, I will like to see the specifics which were done. For this, i will like that you upload the result report as it was presented to you.

To upload an image, simply click on the link to upload a file and follow the instructions. If this proves difficult, please send the image by mail to YYYY@YYYY and request that the image should be uploaded to your query.

I hope to hear from you before providing details. If this is impossible, let me know and I would try to provide as much details as possible with this information.

I look forward hearing from you!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (33 minutes later)
i have attached the lab report. i am so concerned about this inclusive result. Please respond as soon as possible. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This is not suggestive of an active infection!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this follow up and the images uploaded.


I have reviewed the results attached. The results are not suggestive of an active infection. They however suggest that you have had an infection in the past. Not all herpes outbreaks are very typical. At times, even a lip sore could be a minor form of HSV.

Are you infectious? No. You are only infectious if you have an active breakout.
IS this a recent infection? NO. The results suggests that this is something that must have happened in the past. That is why only IgG is positive.

I hope this clarifies your doubts. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask me.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)
I have had lip sores since 1987. I know it was caused by a man i was involved with who suffered from these outbreaks. The first outbreak was extremely painful and my lip swelled to the point my face looked abnormal. Thereafter, I would normally have one outbreak per year. However, it has been about 18 months since my last lip outbreak. I am so worried about this recent diagnosis. My boyfriend received results, yesterday, his range level was 0.13. Very low. Let me clarify, what your saying is that the results suggest I had exposure in the past? Since, I have never had any genital outbreaks, should I anticipate that it could happen? I don't want to infect my partner.

Thank you so much for your immediate and thorough response.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
If you see no sores...then you cannot contaminate your partner.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.

Your results are exactly in line with a past infection. This information that you have provided says it all. As long as there are no active sores, there is no risk that you can contaminate your partner. Contamination only happens when there is active outbreak.

I hope this clarifies any worries you have. If there are more questions you would like us to talk on, please feel free to ask me. I will also like to know if the above information is well understood about infectivity.

Best wishes!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (9 minutes later)
I understand it. However, with all the research/information available on-line, discussions suggest it can be a false positive or perhaps a crossover resulting from the hsv 1. What is your medical expert opinion?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
HSV1 is strongly positive.....HSV2 is not...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is a possibility and more so because the strongly reactive type is HSV1. These types are very close to each other and cross reaction is very possible and the low 1.3 could be a false positive for HSV2 as a result of the HSV1.

So the answer is yes, false positive is possible when talking about HSV1 and HSV2 as there is the possibility of cross reactivity.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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Is It Possible To Have A False Positive HSV 2 Result?

Brief Answer: Is it possible to upload the results? Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these results and the disturbing thoughts this has caused you guys. Laboratory methods are different and to interpret these results, I will like to see the specifics which were done. For this, i will like that you upload the result report as it was presented to you. To upload an image, simply click on the link to upload a file and follow the instructions. If this proves difficult, please send the image by mail to YYYY@YYYY and request that the image should be uploaded to your query. I hope to hear from you before providing details. If this is impossible, let me know and I would try to provide as much details as possible with this information. I look forward hearing from you!