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Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 IgG Antibody, Serum (Quantitative)

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

This test measures the amount of antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These antibodies help your body fight off the virus.

Quick summary

["This test helps assess your immune response to HSV-1, which can be important for understanding past infection or immune status."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
41399-7
Short code
HSV1+2 IgM Ser IA-aCnc
Synonyms
HSV1+2 IgM Ser IA-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia
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 HSV-1, which develop after your body has been exposed to the virus. IgG antibodies are typically present for long-term protection and indicate past infection or ongoing immunity.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for HSV-1 infection, such as recurrent cold sores, or if you’re evaluating immune function in certain conditions.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive result suggests you have developed IgG antibodies to HSV-1, meaning your body has likely encountered the virus before. This does not necessarily indicate an active infection but confirms past exposure or immunity.

What Does a Negative Result Mean?

A negative result means your blood does not currently contain detectable IgG antibodies to HSV-1, which could mean you have never been exposed or the test was taken too early after exposure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

IgG Antibody to HSV-1

Frequently asked questions

How soon after exposure can antibodies be detected?
IgG antibodies to HSV-1 may take several weeks to develop after initial infection. Results may not be accurate if tested too soon after exposure.
Can this test detect active herpes outbreaks?
No, this test specifically measures IgG antibodies, which indicate past infection or immunity. To diagnose an active herpes outbreak, your provider may use clinical symptoms or other tests.
What if I have recurrent cold sores?
Recurrent cold sores may not always correlate with detectable IgG antibodies. If you have frequent outbreaks, discuss with your healthcare provider whether additional testing or management strategies are 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