False negative on igg and igm? Had what I thought was first outbreak

[Jk1022]

I had my first ghsv1 outbreak last week. I went to the doctor at first signs with swollen glands in my groin and blistering sores on the outside of my vagina. She immediately said it was herpes and prescribed me Valtrex which helped with the symptoms. A week later it’s almost cleared up. My boyfriend did have a cold sore and performed oral sex on me. My doctor sent in blood work for igg and igm. Both came back negative. My doctor said at this point it was most likely contact dermatitis. Is it possible this was a false negative? Or is it possible this is not genital herpes? I’m not sure if that’s possible that it’s not genital herpes. I had all of the symptoms and it was awful!

Edited September 25, 2019 by Jk1022

[WilsoInAus]

Hey @Jk1022 Yes strong suspicion that herpes may feature here. I'm sorry that the doctor did not take a swab! It is the most appropriate thing to do when someone presents like you. This is because a blood test is too early detect antibodies your body hasn't had the time to learn to produce! Hence the blood test is not a false negative in this context, however it confirms that before these sores appearing you probably did not have HSV 1/2.

Antibodies (and only the IgG is worth worrying about) take 3+ weeks to be identified by tests. 12 weeks is taken as a conclusive point for a negative, but its likely you will if infected with herpes test positive fairly soon in the 4-6 week range.

I'm afraid that you will need to keep an open mind and the list is possibilities open a little longer. If you get another outbreak you can rush in for a swab, otherwise you can test say at week 12 as the result positive or negative will tell you what you need to know.

Note that your bf cannot be feasibly infected on his genitals owing to his immune system.