HomeAnswersVenereologyherpes simplex virusDo I need a retest if HSV tests are negative at six weeks?

HSV tests are negative at six weeks. Do I need to retest later?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 11, 2017
Reviewed AtOctober 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a test on day-42 (exact six weeks) post a possible exposure. The result shows Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 IgM antibody (Serum, (Enzyme Immunoassay) EIA). Result: Negative (0.64). Associated tests were HSV 1 and 2, western blot IgM and IgG. 1. What exactly is this test looking for? Only IgM, or both IgM as well as IgG? 2. Is this an IgM Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test or a western blot test? 3. Is this test conclusive at day-42 (6 weeks)? 4. Do I need to retest again after 12 to 16 weeks? Kindly answer all the questions in detail.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) is a type of ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The test usually does not give positive results until about six weeks after exposure. The gold standard test would be a viral culture. If that is not available then, a western blot is recommended. EIA test looks for both IgG which indicates the past infection, and IgM which indicates arecent infection. So, go for a viral culture in the future for a confirmation of the diagnosis. There is no need of repeating the IgG and IgM EIA investigation.

Patient's Query

Thanks doctor,

I am currently in week eight post that possible exposure. I have not experienced any Herpes simplex virus (HSV) symptoms so far, no sores, lesions, skin rashes or irritations at all. Is there a possibility that symptoms may appear after week eight? Looking at the test results and the fact that there are no symptoms, do you think the results of day-42 are conclusive? What should be my next course of action? Do I need any more testing? Kindly answer in detail. Regards.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Usually,symptoms start two weeks after the infection. We call it as incubation period. So, if after the eighth week of unprotected sex, if there are still no symptoms, then there are no chances of infection at all. Ignore everything andstart leading a normal lifefrom now. If you are still in doubt, you can repeat Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) IgG and IgM for Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, three months after the last investigation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. G. S. S. Sandeep
Dr. G. S. S. Sandeep

Dermatology

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