Test Overview
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Support the diagnosis of Herpes simplex infection (type 1 or type 2). The presence of IgG antibody generally indicates past exposure and immunity. The presence of IgM antibody indicates recent infection. Single IgG levels are not useful for supporting the diagnosis of an acute infection. Elevated levels in neonates should be followed up with studies to rule out the presence of maternal antibodies by demonstrating the absence of an IgM response.
NEGATIVE: No detectable IgG antibody to Herpes simplex virus. EQUIVOCAL: Presence or absence of IgG antibody to Herpes simplex cannot be determined. Another spcimen should be sent for analysis. POSITIVE: Detectable levels of IgG antibody to Herpes simplex. Detectable levels of Herpes simplex antibody indicate previous exposure to Herpes simplex virus.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
The performance characteristics of this test have not been established for CSF, neonates, infants or cord blood. This is a qualitative test; quantitation for comparison of acute and convalescent sera has not been validated by the manufacturer of the current test system. Result values from different methodologies or from different institutions cannot be compared. A negative serological test does not exclude the possibility of past infection. Following primary HSV infection, antibody may fall to undetectable levels, and then be boosted by a larger clinical infection with the same or heterologous type. Such a phenomenon may lead to incorrect interpretation of antibody status. Specimens obtained very early in infection may not contain detectable antibody.
Test Details
8 hours
- HSV 1, IgG
- HSV 2, IgG
- HSV IgG
- Viral Antibody: Herpes simplex IgG
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in an SST (preferred) or red top tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate.
Additional Information
Test includes Herpes simplex IgG Type 1 (HSV1) and Herpes simplex IgG Type 2 (HSV2). Note that the Type 1 and Type 2 assays may also be ordered individually. The assay is reported as either positive or negative because the magnitude of the IgG level cannot be correlated to the amount of antibody present. The most sensitive diagnostic method for accurately determining type-specific HSV infection is viral culture.