Resolved question:
Hi, Need help interpreting the results of a HSV test. The screenshot of the part I am having a hard time to interpret are attached. Could you please confirm whether or not I am positive for any of the 2 types.
Submitted:
4 Days
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Internal Medicine Specialist
Hello, This test cannot distinguish between HSV Type 1 and 2 infections. But, please understand this particular antibody test can have many false positive results and is not recommended as a standard test.
Thank you for asking the query.
The blood test shows a positive Total antibody and a negative IgM. Total antibodies which include IgG and IgM are reactive. This means there could have been a past Herpes infection, but no current infection.
It takes upto 2 weeks to develop the antibodies, so the test might not be positive if the infection is recent. In short if the clinical suspicion is high you need to get for other tests like a viral culture, PCR etc. If the clinical suspicion is low (means no specific symptoms of Herpes) there is no need to go for any further tests.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask