Understanding Lab Tests for Neonatal Herpes
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious condition that occurs when herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. While there is no single blood test to diagnose neonatal herpes itself, maternal blood testing for HSV antibodies is fundamental for assessing the risk of transmission and guiding preventive measures during pregnancy and delivery.
Top Recommended Test
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies (HerpeSelect®)
This comprehensive test identifies antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2, helping assess the risk of viral transmission from mother to newborn during delivery. Early detection is crucial as neonatal herpes can cause long-term neurological damage or even death if transmission occurs.
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Why Blood Testing is Critical for Prevention
Testing pregnant women for HSV antibodies helps identify mothers who may be at risk of transmitting the virus to their newborns. Early identification allows healthcare providers to implement preventive strategies, such as antiviral therapy or cesarean delivery when appropriate, to reduce the risk of neonatal transmission.
Understanding the Serious Nature of Neonatal Herpes
When transmission does occur, neonatal herpes can cause severe complications including skin, eye, and mouth infections, central nervous system damage, and disseminated disease affecting multiple organs. Early risk assessment through maternal testing is therefore crucial for prevention.
Other Relevant Tests
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody
This test detects HSV-2 specific antibodies in pregnant women. High antibody levels can indicate increased risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth, potentially leading to neonatal herpes, a severe condition that can cause skin, eye, and mouth infections, central nervous system issues, and disseminated disease affecting multiple organs.
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Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition
This advanced test provides detailed analysis of HSV antibodies with additional confirmatory testing when needed. High HSV-2 antibody levels in pregnant women can indicate increased risk of neonatal herpes transmission, allowing healthcare providers to implement appropriate preventive measures.
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Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition
This specialized test measures HSV-2 antibodies with confirmatory inhibition testing when indicated. High antibody levels signal increased risk of transmitting HSV-2 to the baby during childbirth, potentially causing neonatal herpes with serious complications including severe brain damage and even death.
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Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Pregnant women should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine appropriate testing and preventive strategies based on their individual risk factors.
