Test Details
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescience immunoassay (ECLIA)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test is used to detect IgG antibodies specific to HSV types 1 and/or 2 infection and confirm or rule out possible infection with herpes simplex types 1 and/or 2 virus in prenatal patients in whom HSV 2 infection can cause serious prenatal disease. In a patient with no history of lesion disease, a positive result for this test may be indicative that the primary infection was asymptomatic. Once infected by HSV, it is possible for a patient to shed the virus without the development of lesions (asymptomatic shedding). This test does not indicate the site of HSV infection. The magnitude of the Index Value is not indicative of the amount of antibody present in the patient sample. There is a considerable homology between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antigens, so that antibodies formed against either virus are highly crossreactive. These assays are based on purified recombinant glycoprotein G-1 (HSV-1) or G-2 (HSV-2) antigens.
Limitations
Serum samples collected too early in the course of infection may not have detectable levels of HSV IgG. In cases of suspected early disease, a repeat serum specimen should be collected 14-21 days later and submitted for testing. The predictive value of positive or negative results depends on the prevalence of disease and the pretest likelihood of HSV-1 and HSV-2.
False-positive results may occur. Repeat testing, or testing by a different method, may be indicated in some settings (e.g., patients with low likelihood of HSV infection).
This test is intended for qualitative determination only. The magnitude of the Index Value is not indicative of the amount of antibody present in the patient sample.
References
Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Mar 5:ciae104. PubMed 38442248
Workowski, Bachmann, Chan et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. PubMed 34292926
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube or serum transfer tube
Collection Instructions
If tube other than a gel-barrier is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 12 weeks |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x5 |
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; obvious microbial contamination and/or received outside of specimen and/or storage and/or requirements; heat-inactivated samples
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164099 | HSV 1 and 2 Ab, IgG | 81621-5 | 164903 | HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec | 51916-5 | |
| 164099 | HSV 1 and 2 Ab, IgG | 81621-5 | 164097 | HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec | 43180-9 | |
| Order Code | 164099 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1 and 2 Ab, IgG | |||||
| Order Loinc | 81621-5 | |||||
| Result Code | 164903 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 51916-5 | |||||
| Order Code | 164099 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1 and 2 Ab, IgG | |||||
| Order Loinc | 81621-5 | |||||
| Result Code | 164097 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 43180-9 |