Genital Herpes false positive?
Dear Forum
Me and my wife have been together for 8 years, and both of us never had any sexual relationship with anybody else. She has been my one and only sex partner, and so am I to her. Suddenly a blood test (ELISA) confirms that my wife has HSV1 and HSV2.
Anybody know how accurate is this test? Is it possible to be a false positive result?
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I got an HSV test (types 1
I got an HSV test (types 1 and 2) from the gyno. I tested positive for both and immediately panicked. I was later tested with immunoblot and was found negative for HSV 2. I had been freaking out about it for about 6 months.. If you feel like a positive may be unlikely, retest before you have a panick attack.
Hi, just got result of 3 HSV
Hi, just got result of 3 HSV tests, 2 for me from different pathology, and another test for my wife in addition to her previous test.
The result is confusingly we both have each one positive and one negative result. The 2 positives are from one pathology and the 2 negatives are from the other. Both insists that they are accurate.
I guess this could go on and on. I see no point in taking another test with another different pathology. We will just let this be and just go on with our lives.
Ag
Follow up to false positive HSV
Hi,
Well, it is a little confusing with the many different types of Herpes. HSV1 is short for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and HSV2 is short for Herpes Simplex Virus 2. They are very similar and can both cause Oral and Genital Herpes although HSV1 is usually associated with Oral Herpes (also known as cold sores) and HSV2 is usualy associated with Genital Herpes. In recent years there has been quite a few cases of HSV1 causing Genital Herpes and HSV2 causing Oral Herpes, the reason probably being transferred via oral sex. HSV1 cannot 'become' HSV2 and vice versa.
I've not heard of a medicine that will stop spreading but I am assuming that the GP is talking about antiviral medication (many different brands),that will reduce the risk of spreading. It does have good effects but it's not a cure.
I hope that you are not too worried. Genital Herpes may be an STD but it's very common, fairly harmless and easy to catch.
Kind regards,
iv
Hi iv Thank you for your r
Hi iv
Thank you for your reply
She had some cold sores before that might be HSV1, but no symptoms of Genital Herpes. I have never experience any cold sores so far.
We have taken 2 tests from different pathology yesterday now its just waiting time. On the positive side, there already 2 GP (general practicioners) doctor told us about 6 cases of false positive happening.
Talked to one GP yesterday and he told us there is no way HSV1 from mouth can become HSV2 in Genital because it is 2 different type. This has make it more confusing.
Another GP told us there is a medicine to take to stop spreading HSV2 to the partner. I never heard of a very successful medicine like this. Is it true?
Rgrds
AG
Acuracy of Herpes tests
Hi,
Unfortunately it is possible to get a false positive on Herpes tests although the ELISA test is one of the more accurate on the market. I would advice your wife to go back and get another test, maybe even another brand of test.
Have the HSV1 and HSV2 manifested them selves yet? Does your wife have visible symptoms of Genital Herpes or Oral Herpes? That would make a diagnosis a lot easier. Also, bot virusues can be dormant for years. Genital Herpes is an STD, which means that you get it via sexual activity where as Oral Herpes is also known as cold sores and is very common, many people get it in childhood from getting a innocent 'dry kiss' from a relative.
Read more in our Herpes FAQ.
Kind regards,
iv
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