Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2-Specific Antibodies, IgG

TEST: 164099
Test number copied
CPT: 86695; 86696
Updated on 10/14/2024
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Synonyms

  • HSV-1
  • HSV-2

Expected 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.

Related Documents

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

If tube other than a gel-barrier is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

If tube other than a gel-barrier is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate.

Stability Requirements

TemperaturePeriod
Room temperature2 days
Refrigerated7 days
Frozen12 weeks
Freeze/thaw cyclesStable x5

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

2 days

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

98 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x4
TemperaturePeriod
Room temperature2 days
Refrigerated7 days
Frozen12 weeks
Freeze/thaw cyclesStable x5

Causes for Rejection

Gross hemolysis; obvious microbial contamination and/or received outside of specimen and/or storage and/or requirements; heat-inactivated samples

Hemolysis; lipemia; grossly icteric; visible particulate matter; gross bacterial contamination

Gross hemolysis; obvious microbial contamination and/or received outside of specimen and/or storage and/or requirements; heat-inactivated samples

Test Details

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.

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 cross-reactive. These assays are based on purified recombinant glycoprotein G-1 (HSV-1) or G-2 (HSV-2) antigens.

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.

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescience immunoassay (ECLIA)

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Electrochemiluminescience immunoassay (ECLIA)

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

American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In: Kilpatrick SJ, Papile LA, eds. Guidelines for Perinatal Care, 8th Edition. ElkGrove, IL, and Washington, D.C.; 2017.
Landry LL. Immunoglobulin M for Acute Infection: True or False? Clin Vaccine Immuol. 2016 Jul 5;23(7):540-545.27193039
Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the InfectiousDiseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clin Infect Dis. 2018 Aug 31;67(6): e1-e94.29955859
US Preventive Services Task Force, Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, et al. Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes Infection: US Preventive Services Task ForceRecommendation Statement. JAMA. 2016 Dec 20;316(23):2525-2530.27997659
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PH, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187.34292926

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

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