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Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) IgG Antibody, Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the presence of antibodies against Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces to help fight infections.

Quick summary

This test helps determine if your body has been exposed to HHV-6, a virus that can cause infections and sometimes long-term health effects.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34945-6
Short code
HHV6 IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
Synonyms
HHV6 IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Does This Test Measure?

The test detects IgG antibodies specific to HHV-6. IgG antibodies are typically produced after an initial infection and can remain in your system for long periods, indicating past exposure to the virus.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of HHV-6 infection, such as fever, fatigue, or neurological issues, or if you have a weakened immune system. It can also be used to monitor certain conditions like graft-versus-host disease or to assess exposure in research or clinical settings.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect HHV-6 IgG antibodies.

What Are Possible Results?

A positive result means your body has produced IgG antibodies against HHV-6, suggesting past exposure. A negative result indicates either no detectable antibodies or recent infection that hasn’t yet produced detectable antibodies.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

HHV-6 is a common virus that can cause infections, including severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. While IgG antibodies indicate past exposure, they do not necessarily mean you are currently infected. This test can help diagnose past infections, guide treatment decisions, or monitor conditions where HHV-6 plays a role.

Short name

HHV-6 IgG Antibody

Frequently asked questions

What Does a Positive Test Mean?
A positive test result indicates that your immune system has recognized and responded to HHV-6. This could mean you had an infection at some point, but it does not confirm whether you are currently infected or if the virus is active in your body.
What Does a Negative Test Mean?
A negative test result suggests that either you have not been exposed to HHV-6 recently, or if you have been exposed, your immune system has not yet produced detectable antibodies. This does not rule out a current infection, as antibodies may take time to develop.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
The frequency of testing depends on your medical condition and healthcare provider’s recommendations. If you have an ongoing health issue or are being monitored for a specific condition, your provider will determine how often to repeat the test.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy