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Does Acyclovir Cause False Positive In A Herpes Diagnosis Test?
Question: I had asked recently about the chances of an erroneous herpes diagnosis. It was based on visual observation of a rash in the "shorts" region. Anyway, I have since been tested at quest diagnostics 6-7 times over the past few years and the tests always come back negative. However, I have been on acyclovir twice per day for preventative treatment. Is it possible that this has affected the test results or would they still come back negative? is there any way these results could be erroneous after this long?
Brief Answer:
Kindly elaborate certain important details.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for herpes and it's possibility of erroneous testing.
In view to help you best I humbly request you to kindly upload your test reports. For that you have a feature on the right side of the page.
Do also let me know the exact timing when you got the eruptions, the time of first testing (gap between the eruption and fisrt testing) and the time period of starting of antiviral tablets and the eruptions.
Hope to hear soon from your side.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD - DERMATOLOGY & Sexually transmitted diseases
Kindly elaborate certain important details.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for herpes and it's possibility of erroneous testing.
In view to help you best I humbly request you to kindly upload your test reports. For that you have a feature on the right side of the page.
Do also let me know the exact timing when you got the eruptions, the time of first testing (gap between the eruption and fisrt testing) and the time period of starting of antiviral tablets and the eruptions.
Hope to hear soon from your side.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD - DERMATOLOGY & Sexually transmitted diseases
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I first has a small rash with a few pimple like things in 2008. I have tested around 7-8 times since then, because the results never came up positive. I started anti viral the first year. I was originally tested 12 weeks after I went to the doctor. Negative results. I started anti viral around that time. I don't have or can't really tell when I have an eruption as I have sensitive skin down there. Maybe 2-3 times per year if that is what it is. I have been tested annually since then. I gave up the anti viral medication for a couple years and then went back on but not sure if I need. I have been tested while on or off. I was tested 2 times this year with negative results while being on anti viral.
Brief Answer:
No herpes. Can confirm by DNA PCR.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back and thanks for posting your further follow up with report.
I can make out that it is basically antibody based tests done lately.
After diligently analyzing your complete query and correlating with report I can deduce that you are not having herpes infection.
It is due to the fact that in case if you had herpes infection then the antibody test must had come postie at least at some point of time in 7 to 8 times of testing.
There is no effect of antiviral medication on herpes testing by antibody method.
Let me elaborate and guide you more that if still you have confusion then can confirm v the latest DNA PCR test for herpes. It is the test which directly detects viruses if present in body.
In my opinion the rash you are mentioning was not related to herpes.
I hope this helps.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD - DERMATOLOGY & Sexually transmitted diseases
No herpes. Can confirm by DNA PCR.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back and thanks for posting your further follow up with report.
I can make out that it is basically antibody based tests done lately.
After diligently analyzing your complete query and correlating with report I can deduce that you are not having herpes infection.
It is due to the fact that in case if you had herpes infection then the antibody test must had come postie at least at some point of time in 7 to 8 times of testing.
There is no effect of antiviral medication on herpes testing by antibody method.
Let me elaborate and guide you more that if still you have confusion then can confirm v the latest DNA PCR test for herpes. It is the test which directly detects viruses if present in body.
In my opinion the rash you are mentioning was not related to herpes.
I hope this helps.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD - DERMATOLOGY & Sexually transmitted diseases
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. Are you saying that there is another test other than the one I got that is more conclusive?I only ask because I thought the ones that I have been getting are the most conclusive
Brief Answer:
DNA PCR is most conclusive test.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back and thanks for your further follow up.
Yes you are correct in your interpretation that there are more conclusive test other than wag you had gone for previously.
The DNA PCR test directly detects the infective agent rather than the antibodies. It is considered to be most conclusive test.
So in my opinion it is better to go for the same.
I hope this helps.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
DNA PCR is most conclusive test.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back and thanks for your further follow up.
Yes you are correct in your interpretation that there are more conclusive test other than wag you had gone for previously.
The DNA PCR test directly detects the infective agent rather than the antibodies. It is considered to be most conclusive test.
So in my opinion it is better to go for the same.
I hope this helps.
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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