Swab negative, awaiting blood antibody results.

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi, currently 37 weeks pregnant and saw my Ob Monday for a check up and mentioned a bump I had on my labia & that I had an enlarged groin lymph node. He looked and said it was highly suspicious for herpes, which threw me off. I have been with my husband for 10 years and never have either of had any s/s of herpes. This bump was like a pimple, slightly larger. Not the classic herpes blister. So I was shocked, to say the least. He performed a culture, and I left in shock. The next day I requested blood antibody tests so I had that done. Today, the nurse called back and said the lesion swab was negative. I should get the blood test results tomorrow. My only reason for requesting the blood antibody (igG) test was for my own personal assurance. Not that I think I have herpes or that my husband does, but ill just feel better knowing. Especially with the birth of my child coming soon. My question is, should I even still be worried since the swab was negative? I’ll add that the bump appeared Sunday, and it burst with pus the moment I touched it. I saw my Ob the next day. So it was not an old place or anything like that. 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Sounds like a bad pimple. If the negative swab was done when the pimple was still fairly new and broken open but before healing, then I wouldn't worry. The blood test is only good for infections older than 2-3 months. In discordant couples, although less likely, it's possible for the negative partner to not acquire herpes until years later, just fyi. Symptoms are not required. But I would be satisfied with the negative swab.

    • Posted

      That makes me feel better. I know it’s always possible that one of us contracted it prior to our relationship, I just found it odd that neither of us have ever had a break out or even the first dreadful break out that people explain in the ten year span. I guess I just requested the antibody test mainly out of panick that I could harm my unborn. The pimple broke open Sunday evening for sure. It may have been present Saturday but not later than Saturday and wasn’t broken open Saturday if it was there. I saw Ob in Monday so it was a very new place. I know my Ob squeezed it, I am assuming to get some type of fluid from it. He also scrubbed it will with the culture swab, so I feel confident if there was anything herpes wise present he would have gotten it on the swab. Thank you for your response. I will update with antibody results once I get them, but I feel they will be negative. 
  • Posted

    Didn’t get antibody test results today. It’s apparently a send out lab for my OBs office. Hoping for results tomorrow, for my own assurance.
  • Posted

    Sorry that I never updated. Everything was indeed fine. No herpes. 

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.