Question:
since i joined this site, there have been many unknowns regarding blood tests. i just received my statement from my blood work and here is what my doc. ordered:

HSV, type 2-specific Ab, IgG
HSV, IgM I/II Combination
HSV, type 1-specific Ab, IgG
Venipuncture

if anybody knows what the above represents, or has any insight, input, please let me know.

thanks,

Answer:
I interpret it as a blood test (venipuncture) for hsv1 and hsv2 specific for antibodies (AB).

The one that I am not so clear on is the combination. I think it gives some type of information on other antibodies.

Answer:
My doctor couldn't answer any of my questions. To get my questions answered, I got a copy of my blood work from my doctor (or you can just ask them for the lab company that does the work), called the lab (the lab should be stated on your results papers) that did my blood work, then called the lab that they passed it on to, to find out the exact testing method and manufacturer of the testing kit that was used. Then I had to call the manufacturer of the test kit that the lab uses and ask them my specific questions about the test. Most people had no clue as to what I was talking about, regarding the type of test and manufacturer, and it took a lot of calling around just to find out if my test was a modern and accurate ELISA test. Chances are your doctor won't know any of this information so you'll have to dig a bit... you have the right to this information - you paid for it and they provided you a service. I was even able to get my lab test results immediately from the lab, before they were sent to my doctor. A lot of the waiting for results is just waiting for your doctor/clinic to relay the information back to you.

Questions to ask...

Who manufactured the test kit that was used for my bloodwork?
Was it an ELISA test?

Answer:
The IgM test is worthless, make your doctor pay for it. Google "herpes IgM worthless" The HerpeSelect brand test is the most common in the US; it comes in three flavors; ELISA, Immunoblot and the new Plexus. All are FDA approved, and equal in quality. The ELISA returns a numeric value, the Immunoblot returns and easy to read 'negative' or 'positive' results. I'm not sure about the Plexus ELISA and Immunoblot are methods of testing.