My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Community

Announcements

Useful Links!
Help Our Community Answer Your Questions Better By Including In Your Post: Gender, Have You Been Tested For An STD Yet?
Type Of STD Tests and Results? Any Medications To Control Your STD?

Last Reply:

HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98

falsepositiveIhope posted:

I recently had a series of STD tests (9, I believe) and all were negative except for the HSV-2 aB igg test, which was determined to be equivocal with an actual reading of 0.98. The dr. told me that 0.9-1.1 is equivocal and will require a follow up test in 4 weeks. This kind of has me freaking out right now.

I've done a lot of searching, obviously, and it looks like readings below 3.5 can often be a false positive in the herpeselect igg tests, with the lower the number having a greater likelihood of being negative. How do you know if your igg test is a herpeselect test? Are there other test brands out there in which the real cutoff is 1.1 and not 3.5?

Just some other information that I would like to share that seemed important from reading other posts:
1) HSV-1 test was negative (also an igg test)
2) It's been 4 months since I could have possibly been exposed, but over 6 months since I think it's realistic that I was exposed. This seems to be, from what I've read, long enough to ensure that the antibodies for the igg test should have been built up if I were truly positive.
3) I have, in the distant past, been in what would be considered a high risk group. By distant past, I mean over 1 year.

Is it likely that I have HSV-2? Should I get a follow-up igg test or try another test? I've read a little about the biokit test, but it seems like that is an igg test, too. Is that correct? Is that at all different from the other igg test I had?

I would really appreciate any guidance you can provide.

6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98I recently had a series of STD tests (9, I believe) and all were negative except for the HSV-2 aB igg test, which was determined to be equivocal with an actual reading of 0.98. The dr. told me that 0.9-1.1 is equivocal and will require a follow up test in 4 weeks. This kind of has me freaking out right now. I've done a lot of searching, obviously, and it looks like readings below 3.5 can often be a false positive in the herpeselect igg tests, with the lower the number having a greater likelihood of being negative. How do you know if your igg test is a herpeselect test? Are there other test brands out there in which the real cutoff is 1.1 and not 3.5? Just some other information that I would like to share that seemed important from reading other posts: 1) HSV-1 test was negative (also an igg test) 2) It's been 4 months since I could have possibly been exposed, but over 6 months since I think it's realistic that I was exposed. This seems to be, from what I've read, long enough to ensure that the antibodies for the igg test should have been built up if I were truly positive. 3) I have, in the distant past, been in what would be considered a high risk group. By distant past, I mean over 1 year. Is it likely that I have HSV-2? Should I get a follow-up igg test or try another test? I've read a little about the biokit test, but it seems like that is an igg test, too. Is that correct? Is that at all different from the other igg test I had? I would really appreciate any guidance you can provide.

falsepositiveIhope responded:

Additional information that might be relevant.

I'm a 34 year old male and I got the results a couple days ago.

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98Additional information that might be relevant. I'm a 34 year old male and I got the results a couple days ago.

falsepositiveIhope responded:

Also, it sounds like the WB test is the best to get. Does anyone have an idea what it costs? If the WB test were to come back as negative, can I ignore the igg test?

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98Also, it sounds like the WB test is the best to get. Does anyone have an idea what it costs? If the WB test were to come back as negative, can I ignore the igg test?

falsepositiveIhope responded:

Sorry for all the extra posts, I just keep thinking of additional stuff.

I've never had a physical sympton (no blisters or sores), that I've noticed anyway. I do feel extra sensitive to itching now, though.

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98Sorry for all the extra posts, I just keep thinking of additional stuff. I've never had a physical sympton (no blisters or sores), that I've noticed anyway. I do feel extra sensitive to itching now, though.

falsepositiveIhope responded:

bump

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98bump

abe648 replied to falsepositiveIhope's response:

Get a test redone in 3 months. At present you are on the very low end of the scale.. In 3 months you will have a more accurate idea if you have herpes or not.

To learn more read the Herpes Handbook. Terri Warren's book The Good News about the Bad News. It is available now as am e-book. Click on The Tiger to get more details.

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98Get a test redone in 3 months. At present you are on the very low end of the scale.. In 3 months you will have a more accurate idea if you have herpes or not.

falsepositiveIhope replied to abe648's response:

I've read that an equivocal test is negative if enough time has passed since you could have been exposed. Is that true? The test was administered 5 months after it was even possible (not likely) that I could have been exposed.

Report This| Share this:HSV-2 Igg test result 0.98I've read that an equivocal test is negative if enough time has passed since you could have been exposed. Is that true? The test was administered 5 months after it was even possible (not likely) that I could have been exposed.

See Related Sex & Relationships Communities

Couples Coping Support Group

See All Communities

Visit the Sexual Conditions Health Center

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

genital herpes

just want somebody else out there that i could talk to i have had herpes for 8 years and i have some questions, if someone would please ... More

Was this Helpful?

24 of 43 found this helpful

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Be the first to post a Resource!

Post a Resource

Related Drug Reviews

Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other Sexual Conditions & STDs Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

In-depth coverage:

Find us on:

URAC: Accredited Health Web Site

HonCode: Health on the Net Foundation AdChoices

About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us

Medscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD Corporate

First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Community

See All