Can HSV-1 cause false positive HSV-2?
This is important in that most of the adult population in the U.S. already has antibodies to HSV-1, the primary cause of oral herpes. A person who only has HSV-1 may receive a false positive for HSV-2.
Can you get a false positive for HSV-1?
Also, false positive test results (test results that say you have herpes when you do not actually have the virus) are possible. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should talk openly and honestly about your sexual history with your doctor to find out if you should be tested for any STDs, including herpes.
What does it mean if you test positive for herpes 1 and 2?
If your test result is positive, it can mean that you have an active herpes infection without symptoms. It can also mean that you had an HSV infection in the past. The antibody blood test is not as reliable as culturing a sample from a herpes sore.
Can you have herpes and test negative multiple times?
Negative/Normal. You may still have an HSV infection if your results were normal. It may mean the sample didn’t have enough of the virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to get tested again.
Can you have HSV 2 antibodies and not have herpes?
Since the test checks for antibodies to the virus, it can be performed even when the infection isn’t causing a herpes outbreak. If you’ve ever had an HSV infection, you’ll continue to have antibodies to HSV in your blood for the rest of your life, whether you’re having an outbreak or not.
Can one partner test positive for herpes and the other negative?
It is also possible that your partner does have herpes and had a false negative test. Herpes blood tests can be negative even though someone is actually infected.
What does HSV 1 positive mean?
A positive test means you have been infected with HSV recently or at some point in the past. Tests can be done to help determine if you have a recent infection. About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus.