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Chances of false positive HERPES2 URINE PCR test.

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I was recently tested for herpes simplex 2, through a urine pcr, which I had never heard of before. It came back positive, however, I've also had herpes simplex 1 for four years. What is the chance that this is a false positive, considering I have never had an outbreak and these test was not a swab of any open sores (I have none)

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)Specialist

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Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
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Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
I won't go by the urine pcr report only, also considering you never had herpes 2 genital sores or rash.
Please get HSV-2 IGM/IGG test done, and only these reports are conclusive.
Is it possible for you to get these antibody tests done?
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.


Patient replied :

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I freaked out and went to my gyno, (I had initially gone to my GP who was very unhepful), and she, as well, was confused about the urine test. I did have a blood draw done. Is there a chance this was a sitatuation where the result was a false positive? I do have an additional question about this. Do herpes sores manifest in one sore or a cluster? I do have psoriasis and had a small flat red hard bump on my labia that faded over three days, which was painless, never "popped" or "weeped", as in I never had that popping or any pain of type of discharge. I've has similar type spots on my leg and arm from my psoriasis, so I assumed that is what this was at it was only one spot. Maybe I'm wrong.. *I'd like to note a few things about this "sore": I assumed it was the telltale psoriatic genital lesion. It didn't have the scaly while skin over it though. It is right at my vaginal opening, and when I use the bathroom it doesn't burn. It was tender for about 1 day then slowly started to fade. The entire time, the bump was never raise, but more of a hardish lump beneath the skin. I've never had painful urination (or any of the symptoms of an initial outbreak). I have and can touch it (specifically when wiping and wearing underwear) and it doesn't hurt. I've gotten this sore in the exact same spot one or two times before, specificially when I've had the flu or an upset stomach, and go to the bathroom a lot. It's also appeared when I've been neglectful to my hygenie and wore the same underwear for two days. It's also no bigger than the surface of a pencil eraser. I've had no weird smell or discharge from the site or my vagina. I apologize if I've gone overboard here, I won't have the test results for 48 hours and I'm going a bit crazy. Thanks again!


Hello,
With a history of psoriatic genital lesions before, this could very well be one of the psoriatic lesions.
Please do not worry about herpes.
The urine test is not done routinely and I will not give any importance to the test.
Herpes always presents with a cluster of sores and a rash, never with one single sore.
Moreover, the sores take at least a week to clear up in absence of Valacyclovir therapy.
Clinically, there is not enough evidence to suggest you have herpes-2.
Regards.


Patient replied :

Thank you for your help, you've definitely eased my mind a bit. I will just wait for the results from the blood draw for final confirmation.. Have a wonderful day!


Thank you for your appreciation!
Please update me after your results are ready.
Regards.


Patient replied :

I just got the blood results back, and they were positive for simplex 2. Again, I'm baffled by this, as I've never had an outbreak nor did I think I came in contact with someone who had it either. I know this is a stupid question, but is it possible for both the urine and blood tests to have false positives?


Hello,
Yes, it is a little confusing. However, the blood test is conclusive.
You may have been infected earlier, and due to your good immunity, you never manifested any of the symptoms.
Some people can be positive for both HSV-1/2 due to past exposure, however, never manifest any symptoms.
Hope this was helpful,
Regards.


Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
Experience: 
Diploma in Dermatology - Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Glasgow, UK , 2010
Residency - DNB, Dermatology -  K.J Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, 2009
Medical School & Internship - MBBS - Dr. D . Y . Patil Medical College, Mumbai, 2004
Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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