Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2-Specific Antibodies, IgG With Reflex to Supplemental Testing

Test ID:

706628

CPT code:

86696

Synonyms:

Herpes-2
HSV Type 2-Specific Antibody, IgG
HSV-2

Clinical Use:

Detect IgG antibodies specific to HSV type 2 infection; confirm or rule out possible infection with herpes simplex type 2 virus in prenatal patients in whom HSV 2 infection can cause serious prenatal disease. Per CDC guidelines, specimens with equivocal or low positive results for HSV-2 type specific IgG will reflex for supplemental testing by another assay.
In a patient with no history of lesion disease, a positive result for this test may be indicative that the primary infection was asymptomatic. The magnitude of the Index Value is not indicative of the amount of antibody present in the patient sample. Once infected by HSV, it is possible for a patient to shed virus without the development of lesions (asymptomatic shedding). This test does not indicate the site of HSV infection. There is a considerable homology between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antigens, so that antibodies formed against either virus are highly cross-reactive. This assay is based on glycoprotein G-2, purified from HSV-2 infected cells, and is specific for type 2 antibodies.

Test Information:

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.

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume:

1.5 mL

Minimum Volume:

1 mL

Container Type:

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or serum transfer tube

Patient Preparation:

If patient result falls between 0.91 (Equivocal) and 5.00 (Low Positive) Index values, the specimen will reflex to 163006 HSV-2 Supplemental test per CDC guidelines.