TOPIC:

I have hear so many conflicting answers as to what test is better. Why do you have to have bothe blood tests. I have been reading that the PCR test is the "gold standard". That test is being pushed. Is it easier to pass? What is the differenc and why do you need both.

Hi SadTex,

I think I can answer this from personal experience.

An IgG test for antibodies. Antibodies are produced by the body as a response to pathogens. Therefore, when you are exposed to a pathogen such as the common cold your body does not have its little soliders (antibodies) ready to prepare for an attack.

However, once exposed, the body is able to make antibodies to fight the pathogen and it is said you never catch the same strain of the common cold twice. A second exposure to the same common cold, the body can deal with it and eliminate it.

An IgG test will let you know if you have had exposure to HSV and it has an index as follows.

1. Less than 0.9= NEG
2. 0.9-1.1= Maybe/maybe not....re-test
3. More than 1.1= POS


Also, it is recommended to wait 12-16 weeks if its a primary exposure. Like HIV you need to wait at least 90 days for an accurate result. Testing before the recommended time can give you a false negative.

Does that make sense?

A PCR tests for DNA (the DNA of a pathogen). So a PCR is the test that detects what-ever-it-is-your-looking-for.
Yes, the PCR is said to be the gold standard test for herpes. However, herpes is a latent and dormant virus that hides in the nerves. Your own body cannot get to it as the immune system is not designed to attack the nerves, the nervous system or the body itself.

When the immune system attacks the body you are said to have an auto immune disorder. An auto immune disorder is when ones body is attacking itself and it is manifested in deliberating conditions. Please google 'auto immune disorders'.

Herpes is not like HIV so it not in the blood when it is latent, dormant or hiding in the nerves. So a PCR blood test may not detect HSV if it is hiding in the nerves.

Does that make sense so far?

Therefore, it is best, in my opinion, to have different tests to ascertain your status.

I was recently exposed to HSV and I had to wait the recommended time to have an IgG, which is negative and I also took the PCR (at the same time of the IgG) which is also negative.

My ex tested positive for HSV in March 2012 and again in June 2012 on an IgG from two different labs.

He took a PCR blood test 7 days after his second positive IgG and it was negative.

So, I understand your confusion from personal experience. I have seen with my own two eyes two positive IgG's and one negative PCR, within a week of each other.

So to be sure, absolutely sure, it is is best to retest with an IgG after a negative PCR at a later date. Also, there are many vaccinations that need to be taken every 2 or more years. WHY IS THIS?
According to the medical profession, the antibodies fall and die off and you need to top up with another jab. I don't know if this is true for HSV antibodies but I'm kinda going by this theory.

*Disclaimer
The above is my opinion. I have no medical training. If I have made mistake, I invite anyone to correct me and set the record straight.

I know that I tested positive for herpes 2. I am not sure of the test they used, but I think it was probably the IgG test. I know it was a blodd test. I working hard to rid myself of this nightmare.

SadTex.

When you go for blood test make sure you know what kind of test. Don't be scared to ask Dr's questions about your concerns and health.

Also, it is not about what test is easier to pass. You need to know what your true status is for you and others you are intimately involved with.

What protocol are you using? I am assuming you are on a protocol. If so, are you using DMSO?

Since I knoe that I am positive for exposure would a negative PCR test cover me in terms of feeling secure the virus is gone.

I really don't know.

For me I would retest over a period of time to make sure AND I would do an IgG about 3-6 after a negative PCR.
As I said before, my ex had two positive IgG and a negative PCR one week after his 2nd positive IgG.

It is really up to you. Would a negative PCR make you feel happy and secure? Only you can answer that.

Hi-

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

I want to positive that the virus is gone, that is why I am doing this. The last thing I want to do is infect someone else. It is my understanding that the IgG test will confirm that I have been exposed to the virus; I already know that. Is it that the production of the antibodies in my system may infect someone else with the virus?
In terms of a protocol I am going on a 1 week extreme program that incorporates MMS, DSMO and I will be putting high levels of oxygen in my body. I have been saving money to afford the program. This program wants you to take the PCR test at the conclusion; that is why I am confirming and trying to understand.

Thanks again.

An igG will detect antibodies to a particular pathogen. As I mentioned earlier the IgG uses an index so it will tell you if you are negative or positive.

As you have been and infected (I'm assuming you had IgG blood test) your test came back positive.

If you test negative on a PCR you will still test positive on an IgG.

Therefore, If I were you. I would re-test a couple of time with an IgG over a period of time to see if the antibodies fall or die-off.

Delite, thank you so much for your clear explanation of the tests and the results. I'd have to go dig out the last series of blood tests for HSV1 and 2, but I know they were positive. Just not sure what the tests were. (and, honestly, am not really concerned since I'm past childbearing age) -