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Human Herpesvirus 6 IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma)

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 assess past exposure to HHV-6, a virus that can cause infections and sometimes related immune responses."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
13250-6
Short code
HHV6 IgG+IgM Ser-aCnc
Synonyms
HHV6 IgG+IgM Ser-aCnc
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

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to HHV-6, such as persistent fatigue, fever, or immune system issues. It may also be used to monitor immune responses in certain medical conditions or after treatments like stem cell transplants.

Understanding Your Results

A positive result indicates you have developed antibodies against HHV-6, suggesting you’ve likely been exposed to the virus at some point. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you haven’t been exposed.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know so they can help make you more comfortable.

What to Expect After the Test

After the blood draw, you may feel a slight pinch or bruising at the site. Apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding, and avoid rubbing the area. Most people recover quickly without complications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

HHV-6 IgG Antibody

Frequently asked questions

HHV-6 is a common virus that often causes mild or asymptomatic infections. While antibodies indicate past exposure, they don’t always correlate with current health risks. This test is more useful for understanding immune history rather than diagnosing active infections.
This test is typically not used to diagnose active HHV-6 infection but can help assess immune function or monitor conditions where HHV-6 exposure is relevant.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your medical needs. Your healthcare provider will determine if repeated testing is necessary, often based on ongoing symptoms or treatment plans.
Does this test show if I currently have an active HHV-6 infection?
No, this test only detects antibodies, which indicate past exposure. To check for active infection, additional tests or clinical evaluation would be needed.
  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