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HelpTest Code HSVG Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1- and Type 2-Specific Antibodies, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
HSV Types 1 and 2 Ab, IgG, SUseful For
Determining whether a patient has been previously exposed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2
Distinguishing between infection caused by HSV types 1 and 2, especially in patients with subclinical or unrecognized HSV infection
This test should not be used to diagnose active or recent infection.
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS1G | HSV Type 1 Ab, IgG, S | No | Yes |
| HS2G | HSV Type 2 Ab, IgG, S | No | Yes |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86695
86696
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HSVG | HSV Types 1 and 2 Ab, IgG, S | 81621-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HS1G | HSV Type 1 Ab, IgG, S | 51916-5 |
| HS2G | HSV Type 2 Ab, IgG, S | 43180-9 |
Clinical Information
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are members of the Herpesviridae family and produce infections that range from mild stomatitis to disseminated and fatal disease. Clinical conditions associated with HSV infection include gingivostomatitis, keratitis, encephalitis, vesicular skin eruptions, aseptic meningitis, neonatal herpes, genital tract infections, and disseminated primary infection.
Infections with HSV types 1 and 2 can differ significantly in their clinical manifestations and severity. HSV type 2 primarily causes urogenital infections and is found almost exclusively in adults. HSV type 1 is closely associated with orolabial infection, although genital infection with this virus can be common in certain populations.
The diagnosis of HSV infections is routinely made based on clinical findings and supported by laboratory testing, primarily using polymerase chain reaction to detect viral DNA. However, in instances of subclinical or unrecognized HSV infection, serologic testing for IgG-class antibodies to type-specific HSV glycoprotein G may be useful. There are several circumstances where it may be important to distinguish between infection caused by HSV types 1 and 2 (eg, risk of reactivation). In addition, the results of HSV type-specific IgG testing are sometimes used during pregnancy to identify risks of congenital HSV disease and allow for focused counseling prior to delivery.
Cautions
Detection of IgG-class antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) should not be used routinely as the primary means of diagnosing HSV infection. For patients presenting with presumed acute infection with HSV, a clinical specimen (eg, oral, dermal, or genital lesion) should be sampled and submitted for detection of HSV types 1 and 2 by polymerase chain reaction.
Serum specimens 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 to 21 days later and submitted for testing.
The presence of IgG-class antibodies to either HSV type 1 or 2 does not differentiate between remote infection or acute disease.
HSV serology cannot distinguish genital from nongenital infections.
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 (eg, patients with low likelihood of HSV infection).
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Method Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Secondary ID
84429Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)