on the penis area was diagnosed visually by urologist & was prescribed Vailtrex ointment prior to bloodwork..now after all this being referred to a doctor for infectious diseases
2006-06-13 12:25:44 · 7 answers · asked by divinedivamimi 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
There are about 30 different herpes antibody blood tests on the market, and many of them are very old and quite unreliable (e.g., less than 50% accurate). However there are three fairly new tests that came out in the last few years that are exceptionaly accurate, based on new technology. The best of these is the Focus Technologies HerpeSelect IgG immunoassay. It is about 98% accurate in detecting both herpes-1 and 2. So you should be sure what test was done, and be sure it was an Immunoglobin G type of test, like the HerpeSelect test.
In any case, however, it can take up to 12 weeks for your body to develop a sufficient antibody response to the virus for any of these tests to detect it. If the exposure is very recent, say less than 4 to 5 weeks, it is quite possible to see an active lesion on the penis, but have a negative antibody test. Repeat the anitbody test (using an IgG based test) once 12 weeks have elapsed from the initial symptoms, and then you can be sure one way or the other.
2006-06-14 12:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by TechnoJim 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-30 05:56:38 · answer #2 · answered by Ora 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-08-31 08:32:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-24 23:03:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be either the doc was wrong, or there hasn't been enough time to develop antibodies for it. That can take up to 4 months. The best thing to have done is a typed culture, but a blood test is good, as long as enough time has passed.
You should read the herpes handbook at the link I have posted below.
It doesn't have a thing to do with the virus being dormant. You will have antibodies regardless. And if you are having symptoms, the virus isn't dormant.
2006-06-13 13:06:40 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blood tests are usually really inaccurate for herpes and can come back negative even if you have the virus. Usually genital herpes (herpes 2) is diagnosed by your doctor by a physical exam and if you are a girl they also give you a pap smear.
2006-06-14 00:53:20 · answer #6 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of doctor VISUALLY diagnoses for herpes, and then begins treatment BEFORE bloodwork was taken? It would be ok to start the Valtrex ointment after the bloodwork, prior to results.......
A culture has to be taken of the afflicted area, that is the only way to be sure.
2006-06-14 02:24:00 · answer #7 · answered by spookykid313 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋