Western Blot Test
Posted , 4 users are following.
Anyone have any info or experience with the Western Blot test either denying or confirming HSV1/HSV2 after testing in the low positive range with the IGG test?
0 likes, 9 replies
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Notes on Western Blot Test
Oddity mauvepod
Posted
Yes, I test positive for HSV1 and very low HSV2 - never above 2 on mulitple blood tests. I have never had a "typical" ob on my genitals.
I have taken the WB twice and both times it only shows me positive for HSV1. Honestly, I am not a big fan of the WB based on the fact that you have to go through the Universtiy of Washington whom does not help you with the blood draw. This can be somewhat of a tedious process. Because of this I had to go through a third party for both of my tests, The Westover Heights Clinic. This process just adds money to the cost of the test because Westover Heights forces you to do a "phone" consultation prior to them sending you the kit and instructions.
If I were you, I would wait a month or so and take this new test that Dr. Halford will be offering. You can read about it by googling his name and rational vaccines. The test supposedly will be the same price as the WB and is supposed to be even more superior than the WB. Furthermore, it is a test you can do in the home by just pricking your finger for blood and it can be done anywhere in the world.
I hope this helps.
mauvepod Oddity
Posted
Yeah I have a low HSV2 positive at a little over 2 and no positive for HSV1 so I'm wondering if the Western Blot would show that the IGG result I got is true or not.
It does sound like a tedious process but I was reading up on the internet and it said it's more accurate than the IGG test (not 100% sure if that's true or not). I'll look into the new test from Dr. Halford because I want to make sure of what's going on and if my diagnosis is a true positive. Plus the new test sounds way more conveninet by being able to draw the blood at home.
Thanks!
jane80952 mauvepod
Posted
I plan to get it shortly. It's relatively expensive and, for me, not local. But your dr should be willing to order and submit the specimen directly there. Instructions are here -- http://depts.washington.edu/rspvirus/documents/hsv_western_blot.pdf
They will send you or your dr the kit ; U-wash has been super accessible to me by phone for advice.
WB is the gold standard and is used for research. I think there are there tests out now that are better than Elisa and more comparable to WB (immunoblot?) but at this point I feel the WB will provide the most accurate answer and that's what I'm after. You should wait 4 (in a perfect world, 6) months from last potential exposure to test WB, to avoid false negative. Elisa can detect positive antibody sooner than WB, but elisa's low positives for type 2 can also be false positive esp if you have type 1. WB is quite accurate in the long run (4-6 mos out).
FelizCastus mauvepod
Posted
mauvepod FelizCastus
Posted
Info like do you think it's worth getting, any experiences with it and if so did you do the IGG test (& get a positive for HSV2) then take the Western Blot Test (& get a negative)
FelizCastus mauvepod
Posted
The Western Blot from the University of Washington is the gold standard in herpes testing and is used for research purposes. Personally, I would go with that, despite the extra hassle and expense, than some new test that hasn't come out yet and which has no track record (not even heard about it, tbh).
The IgG test is pretty good for Type 2, less so for Type 1, so when in doubt (e.g., low positive for Type 2, especially with pre-existing Type 1), it is something worth considering. Westover Heights can help with the logistics. The call and "study" survey is part of the formalities they are required to do in order to continue offering the service.
mauvepod FelizCastus
Posted
Do you know how I would go about getting the western blot test? I keep seeing that it's upwards of $200 but I want to put an end to my anxiousness ever since learning about my IGG results.
Oddity mauvepod
Posted
If your doctor's office can draw blood then call the Univ of Washington's virology dept. and order the kit. They will send it to you at no cost. It will have all the instructions included. Take it to your doctor's office and have them draw your blood and spin it. They will give you the vile of blood and you will mail it to UW.
Other than doing it this way you will have to go through the third party as I mentioned before. This the Westover Heights Clinic.
FelizCastus mauvepod
Posted