Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Antibody, Fluorescent Antibody Test (IgG)
This test checks for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which can help identify past or current infection by this common virus.
["This test helps determine if your body has been exposed to HSV-1, which can cause cold sores or other symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44469-5
- Short code
- HSV1 Ab Fld Ql
- Synonyms
- HSV1 Ab Fld Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 order this test if you have symptoms like cold sores, recurrent mouth ulcers, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with HSV-1. It may also be used in certain diagnostic evaluations or for monitoring immune response.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A small blood sample will be drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of HSV-1 antibodies, suggesting past infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found at this time, but this doesn’t rule out possible infection.
Common Symptoms of HSV-1 Infection
HSV-1 often causes cold sores around the mouth or lips, but it can also cause fever blisters, oral ulcers, or rarely, more severe symptoms like meningitis. Many people have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HSV-1 Antibody (IgG) Fluorescent Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is primarily used to diagnose past HSV-1 infection rather than active outbreaks. It helps confirm exposure and can be useful in certain clinical scenarios like evaluating immunocompromised patients or planning preventive measures.
Antibodies detected in this test can remain in your system for years after initial infection. This means a positive result doesn’t necessarily mean you’re contagious at the moment, but it confirms past exposure.
Does this test differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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