HSV-2 Test Result Ranges Decoded

Understanding HSV-2 Test Results

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is one of two strains of the herpes simplex virus that can be transmitted sexually, causing genital herpes in many cases. Diagnosing HSV-2 involves laboratory testing that looks for antibodies to the virus in the blood. Understanding what various HSV-2 test results indicate enables appropriate treatment and management of this lifelong infection.

The HSV-2 Virus

HSV-2 is almost exclusively passed through sexual contact and causes recurring episodes of painful genital sores in most infected individuals. Many people with HSV-2 have mild or no initial symptoms but can still transmit the virus asymptomatically.

Once contracted, HSV-2 remains latent in nerve tissues so that symptoms may reactivate periodically throughout life during times of stress, illness or immunity changes. Managing transmission risk is important due to potential complications.

Diagnostic Testing

Because HSV-2 infection often causes no noticeable symptoms, specific laboratory blood testing is required to determine if someone has contracted the virus. This involves checking for the presence of serum antibodies created by the immune system in response to an initial HSV-2 infection.

Understanding HSV-2 Blood Test Results

HSV-2 testing gives results that fall into different ranges, signaling whether antibodies are detected and if an infection exists. Possible test results include:

Negative

A negative HSV-2 test result indicates no IgG antibodies specific to HSV-2 were detected in the blood sample. This means you likely do not have genital herpes from HSV-2. However false negative results are possible in new infections before antibody levels rise.

Equivocal

An equivocal result means antibodies were detected but at levels too low to be definitively positive. This often occurs in early new infections before antibodies reach diagnostic levels, so retesting in 1-3 months is recommended to confirm negative or positive status.

Positive

A positive HSV-2 test signals the presence of IgG antibodies specific to the HSV-2 virus, indicating exposure to the virus and active viral replication. Even without symptoms, a person with positive results carries the infection and can transmit it to partners.

Index Value

HSV blood tests also provide an index value number quantifying the concentration of HSV antibodies in the blood. Index values above 3.5 strongly indicate HSV-2 infection. Lower positive values under 3.5 may suggest a newer, still-developing infection.

Understanding Borderline or Indeterminate Results

Some HSV-2 test results come back as borderline or indeterminate when antibody levels fall into a grey zone between clearly positive or negative. This occurs most often due to:

• Very recent new HSV-2 infection
• A weak immune response unable to create sufficient detectable antibodies
• Cross-reactivity with pre-existing HSV-1 antibodies

With borderline HSV-2 tests, repeat blood work in 1-3 months helps clarify if antibodies reach diagnostic thresholds as the infection progresses. A Western blot test also distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies for confirmation.

Early HSV-2 Infections

When first infected with HSV-2, a person may not immediately test positive because there has not been sufficient time for antibodies to build up to levels identifiable on assays. Retesting provides a more definitive diagnosis once the body mounts a measurable immune response.

Weak Immune Response

Certain people may produce only minimal HSV-2 antibodies after infection, leading to low positive results. Retesting gives the body more time to react, but those with weaker immunity may never show antibody levels high enough for a clear positive.

HSV-1 Cross Reactivity

Pre-dating HSV-1 oral herpes infection can prompt generation of non-specific antibodies upon contracting HSV-2 as well. A Western blot detects antibodies distinct for each virus type to confirm HSV-2 infection and rule out potential HSV-1 cross-reactivity.

Significance of Test Results

Depending on HSV-2 test outcomes, specific implications and recommendations apply for sexual activity and health management:

Negative Result

No transmission precautions needed. But false negatives occur during early new infections before antibodies arise, so retest if recent possible HSV-2 exposure or symptoms emerge.

Borderline Result

Retest in 1-3 months. Avoid sexual contact until retest completes or use condoms to prevent potential virus transmission in case of true positive status.

Positive Result

Lifelong HSV-2 infection confirmed. Notify partner(s) and practice safe sex using condoms and daily antiviral treatment to reduce transmission risk. Monitor for outbreak symptoms requiring medication.

The Takeaway

Diagnosing HSV-2 genital herpes relies on specialized blood tests detecting IgG antibodies signaling exposure to the virus. By understanding the meaning of negative, borderline and positive test results, patients and doctors can coordinate appropriate treatment, relationship and sexual health management.

Allowing time for repeat testing enables the most accurate determination of HSV-2 infection. Partner notification, condom usage and daily suppressive antiviral treatment provide key tools for controlling virus spread following positive diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.