Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I and II IgG
FAQ
-
What is the herpes simplex virus? How do Type I and II differentiate?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a family of viruses that infect humans. HSV is spread through close contact (skin-to-skin or sexual contact) with a person actively shedding the virus. Two types of HSV exist; Type I, affects the mouth primarily, specifically:
- Oral area
- Lips
- Tongue and gingiva
The other type of Herpes is Type II, which is associated with genital herpes infections.
-
How do you test for herpes simplex virus?
To test for herpes simplex virus, you will be asked to provide a blood or urine sample. A swab is also sometimes used to collect fluid from a blister, sore, or area of infection.
-
How long after infection does it take for herpes to show up on a test?
It can take 2 to 20 days to develop symptoms, and the testing window for herpes is around 1-3 months after exposure.
-
Do I need to visit a doctor?
No doctor visit needed.
-
How do I get my results?
You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
-
Does my lab prescription expire?
Your lab prescription never expires.*
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 650 blood work labs to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 4000 blood work locations + 650 different blood tests to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
This assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A index positive result cannot distinguish between recent and past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay should be repeated in 4-6 weeks.
Confirmation testing with HSV-2 Inhibition on positive initial results vs the Western Blot:
The HSV-2 IgG Western blot assay has historically been considered the gold standard for identifying HSV-2 IgG reactivity. However, Ashley-Morrow et al have clearly demonstrated that the HSV-2 IgG Western blot is less sensitive than the HerpeSelect HSV-2 IgG assay for detecting IgG seroconversion following newly acquired HSV-2 infection: the median interval between symptom onset and IgG seroconversion is 21 days for the HerpeSelect assay versus 68 days for the Western blot assay.3 There is thus a window of approximately 47 days in which the Western blot assay may give false-negative confirmatory results. In contrast, true-positive specimens in this window are positive (>60% inhibition) in the HSV-2 IgG inhibition assay. In addition to increased sensitivity, the turnaround time for the inhibition assay is shorter than that of the Western blot assay.
HSV 2 IgG, Type Specific Ab
If Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG) is >1.09, then HSV-2 Inhibition Study will be performed
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I and II IgG (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
The HSV Type I and II IgG test is appropriate for exposure at least 4 weeks prior to testing. Positive results may require further evaluation by your physician.
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.