PCR test says undetectable

What does this mean? It says it doesn't see herpes in my blood.

How soon did you take the test after exposure? You were swabbed right when you had your first OB and it came back positive right?

When I first got it, my blood test came back negative and swab positive. Took 3 months until it showed in my blood. Some take even longer.

Just got the result today from a test I took last week.

I never got swabbed, I had Some IGG tests done.

So we're you visually diagnosed then?

How soon were those tests taken, since exposure?

Iggs in September. Don't know when I was exposed. Visual diagnosis and IGg.

The doctor said that it's because the Valtrex is suppressing the virus, and that I'm not able to infect anyone right now if it's undetectable in my blood and I don't have and outbreak.

When did you have your first OB though?

Pcr in blood is an incorrect test. Pcr in blood is only to detect if it's disseminated or systemic.

You need to do a regular igg herpes blood test like Elisa or inmunoblot. Have dancer confirm.

Pcr tests are only good for swabs.

Yes the thought by experts if while on valtrex you may not build antibodies to detect on blood tests. I believe you need to be without Antivirals for 3 months before you have a reliable test.

So basically you don't have any confirmation of what you have hsv1 or hsv2?

I had IGG confirm in September, but now my PCR blood test is saying the virus is undetectable.

Yes I believe the pcr test is the wrong blood test. I believe it looks for the actual virus in the blood which u won't find bc the virus is in the nerves. Blood tests are used to confirm antibodies not the blood itself. Try doing another blood test....it should say positive. I believe pcr blood test is an incorrect test.

Pcr looks for actual genetic components of herpes. You won't find those in blood. That's why I think it's coming undetectable. Best bet is for u to search on Terri warren's westover heights website. They might have sthng there on it. As well u can pay $20 to ask anonymous on line questions.

Doesn't make sense that they'd sound out something like that for "the herpes test" if it can pick it up in blood. It wouldn't be an option.

IgG is considered the test to use first - Western Blot would be what I would follow up with. I suggest that you contact Terri Warren at Westover Heights, and do the WB if you have any concerns about your tests. And they are the best in the country for advice... they are the #1 Herpes clinic in the country.

You keep asking many of the same questions in a different way on here (on other treads) - what they tell you there is pretty much (by current knowledge) gospel.

http://westoverheights.com/ (503) 226-6678 ... they can order the test for you through Quest Labs. It costs $5/minute for a consult … cheap IMO for clarity and/or peace of mind.

^Ive never had the PCR- My new doctor gave me that when I asked for a herpes test. Double checking.

OK - well,again, if you have any concern about your diagnosis, the WH folks are the people to talk to.

@hippyherpy , have you asked him for a type specific IgG Elisa test? That's what is used first before a western blot to test for herpes antibodies. I've never heard of someone being tested through pcr for herpes testing. I feel from what I've seen in more than just this forum, that men are at a major disadvantage w getting the proper sexual health care and its truly a shame. What made you ask for this, when you've already been diagnosed and had classic herpes symptoms may I ask?

I asked for it because I've read a lot of stories of false positives etc. Wanted to get a retest after a few months from my initial out break.

Well pcr is not the proper test to select for it. It should be the western blot or the IgG. High false positives only apply to those w no symptoms and under 3.5/ since you had an OB, this doesn't apply to you unfortunately.

Well they did use it for me.. if it says index table does that mean very low likely hood of transmission as well?

Ok.. Well maybe it's beat you go to planned parenthood, because your doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. Having a low antibody count, doesn't equate to being less contagious. This is not the same as HIV levels. Positive is positive and you're just as contagious as those who are asymptomatic.

I asked for it because I've read a lot of stories of false positives etc. Wanted to get a retest after a few months from my initial out break.

The 3.5 false positive issue only apply to people who are asymptomatic.... you had an initial OB. So this doesn't apply to you.

And again - seeing as you are obsessed with trying to find any excuse/reason to believe that you are "less contagious", I suggest that you call Westover Heights and let Nurse Terri or one of her staff set you straight because you refuse to get it in your head that there is NO WAY to tell exactly how "contagious" you are at any time - with or without symptoms - nor does your result tell you your status there either.

PLEASE: Call WH, get your answer, and then perhaps you will believe us and stop trying to find any excuse to downplay the risks during your disclosure on here.