Need some help choosing a test please.

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t-10987654321@hotmail.com - 14 Oct 2005 05:10 GMT

First off I know these questions have already been addressed in several
posts, but I was here reading from 8pm to 4am last night, and I've been
at it for 5 hours already tonight. I still can't sort all of this out.

I just noticed what I'm assuming is my initial OB last night. It
doesn't seem to fit the typically intense Primary OB, but I know that's
not unusual.

I don't have much money or a regular physician for that matter, so I'm
leaning toward one of the online/local blood draw tests. This seems to
rule out the Western Blot test from University of Washington. I feel
that an antibody test would provide me with the answers I need now and
I could go for the other types at a later date if necessary.

I need a test that will illustrate IgM and IgG (as I understand it, the
Western Blot test would not offer these variables). If I am infected I
have no idea if I was recently infected by my current partner or
previous partners (which I can not easily contact). I think IgM
positives would indicate recent contraction and IgG would only show
positive after 3 or 4 months meaning I have been carrying for a while
with no noticeable symptoms. This would at least help me begin to
figure out how I'm going to bring this up in regards to my current
relationship (I am currently and will continue to abstain until I get
test results).

Because I don't even know if I'm infected, I want results quickly
(within two weeks).

I want a test that will distinguish between HSV 1 and 2. Mainly just so
I can know, but also it could shed a little light on how I contracted
this disease: possibly through oral sex (HSV 1) or vaginal intercourse
(HSV 2). I know these are not by any means set in stone, but it seems
they are loosely accepted standards.

The two sources I have found online for testing are listed below.
Please offer your 2 cents. I'm not trying to advertise I just NEED some
straight answers.
(**- probably going to go with these. *- 2nd choice)
    www.healthcheckusa.com
        **Herpes Simplex Virus 1&2 IgM $80
        **HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1&2 IgG $100
        HerpeSelect Type 1 IgG $98
        HerpeSelect Type 2 IgG $85
or
    www.health-tests-direct.com
        *HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 1 AND 2 -IGG EIA 125.00
        *HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 1 AND 2 - IGM IFA 125.00
        HERPES TYPE 2 IGG - ELISA 70.00
        HERPES TYPE 1 IGG - ELISA 70.00
Do these get me what I'm looking for? Are these tests remotely accurate
and even worth the money? Do they pose the risk of HSV 1 and 2
screw-ups like the old ELISA tests? Are the risks of false
negatives/positives high?

If you have other suggestions please provide specific links or the
like. There are so many confusing brand names and company specific
"models" it's making me crazy.

Thank you in advance for your insight. In the few hours of reading your
posts I have learned so much about this condition. Before yesterday I
thought herpes was a horrible flag of social deviance. I now understand
that it is no more scandalous than the flu. That realization alone has
made the possibility of being infected easier to handle. If my tests
return positive I'm sure I will become a frequent visitor/contributor
to this group. However I still pray that they won't. This is so
frightening and confusing all of your experiences have helped me so
much already. Thank you.

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M2slo2cht@nospam.invalid - 14 Oct 2005 06:52 GMT

t-10987654321 writes:

>I need a test that will illustrate IgM and IgG

IGM tests have a reputation for being inaccurate as far as giving you
length of infection. An alternate means of possibly determining
length of infection, especially if you're just beginning an outbreak
is, get a culture type test right away. You'll need to see a doctor
about that though. But if it comes back positive, you can then get an
antibody (blood test) done. Don't dilly dally on that one. If both are
positive, you can somewhat assume you've been infected longer than a
couple of weeks (antibodies take12-16 weeks to show up in a blood
test). However, if the blood test is negative, you can surmise the
infection is recent. (positive cultures are accurate, negative blood
tests are accurate too). To confirm your recent infection theory, you
can then get another blood test after 16 weeks or so which by that
time should be positive.

>I think IgM
>positives would indicate recent contraction

Don't bet on it.

>This would at least help me begin to
>figure out how I'm going to bring this up in regards to my current
>relationship

There's lots of ways to go about that. How about the direct
approach... just suggest you both get tested for std's. Better late
than never. But make sure Herpes is among the tests. It's usually not.

>Because I don't even know if I'm infected, I want results quickly
>(within two weeks)

A culture type test can do that.

>I want a test that will distinguish between HSV 1 and 2. Mainly just so
>I can know

.... and it's important to know.

> www.healthcheckusa.com
> www.health-tests-direct.com

>Do these get me what I'm looking for?

Yep. At least the IgG tests do.

>Are these tests remotely accurate

I know healthcheckusa is supposed to be good. I'm not familiar with
the other one but it may do just as well.

>Do they pose the risk of HSV 1 and 2
>screw-ups like the old ELISA tests?

Nope.

>Are the risks of false
>negatives/positives high?

The new blood tests are very accurate as long as enough time has
elapsed for your body to produce antibodies.

Hopefully, others will throw in more info to consider.

M2

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Grant - 14 Oct 2005 12:25 GMT

I think M2 explained things fairly well and answered your questions well.

My only comments are: I suggest you see a doctor. If you do have herpes, you
may want medications and you'll need a doctor for that. The culture, done
today, is the best way to get the answers you want quickly. But if you wait too
long, then you run the risk of a false negative.

I also want to put in my vote for the Western Blot. We see lots of people come
in here with unreadable test results and no answers as to whether they have
herpes or not. The Western Blot is so simple and accurate that it will leave
little wiggle room. I orchestrated getting my own western blot test all I
needed was a signature from a doctor. However, there is a three week wait.

Because you'll need to wait for test results, no matter what, I also suggest
telling your partner now. "I don't know what it is. But the symptoms look like
herpes. Have you ever had a cold sore?" Etc.

Good luck and please keep us informed on how you're doing. Oh, and I'm glad
that the information here was helpful.

ar

>First off I know these questions have already been addressed in several
>posts, but I was here reading from 8pm to 4am last night, and I've been
[quoted text clipped - 63 lines]
>frightening and confusing all of your experiences have helped me so
>much already. Thank you.

Reply to this Message

Angela S. - 14 Oct 2005 16:47 GMT

> I don't have much money or a regular physician for that matter, so I'm
> leaning toward one of the online/local blood draw tests.

I have a list of accurate herpes tests you can obtain online here:
http://www.yoshi2me.com/genital-herpes.html

> This seems to
> rule out the Western Blot test from University of Washington. I feel
> that an antibody test would provide me with the answers I need now and
> I could go for the other types at a later date if necessary.

The Herpes Specific Western Blot Test is the most accurate out of all of
them. It's considered the gold standard in herpes testing and is also used
for herpes research. It will tell you if you have type-1, type-2, both, or
nothing at all. If you can find a doctor that would be willing to connect
with their lab then the lab will tell your doc what needs to be done in
order for you to have access to this test.

> I need a test that will illustrate IgM and IgG (as I understand it, the
> Western Blot test would not offer these variables).

I'm not too sure what you mean by that. IGG is what you want to pay close
attention to. IGM is useless and here's why:
http://www.yoshi2me.com/ipw-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=54

> If I am infected I
> have no idea if I was recently infected by my current partner or
> previous partners (which I can not easily contact).

A positive culture and a negative blood test means that your infection is
recent. If you've had herpes for a long time there is no way to know whom
you contracted it from.

> I think IgM
> positives would indicate recent contraction and IgG would only show
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> relationship (I am currently and will continue to abstain until I get
> test results).

It's a good idea to wait for your test results. In the meantime I think it's
ok to be upfront and honest with your current partner about what is going
on. I would even encourage your partner to get testing. There's nothing
wrong with that at all!

I hope my response is helpful to you,

Angela ;-)

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