Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Antibody, IgG (Serum/Plasma) – Quantitative
This test measures the presence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which can help determine past infection with this virus.
["This test helps identify if you’ve ever been exposed to HSV-2, which can cause genital herpes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44495-0
- Short code
- HSV2 Ag Eye Ql
- Synonyms
- HSV2 Ag Eye 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like genital sores, itching, or unusual discharge, or if you have a history of genital herpes. It can also be used to confirm a diagnosis in people with recurrent outbreaks or those who have had multiple sexual partners. Additionally, it may be used during pregnancy to assess risk for transmission to the baby.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, typically in a clinic or lab setting. If you’re pregnant, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result means you have antibodies to HSV-2, indicating past infection. A negative result suggests you have not been infected with HSV-2 at the time of testing. However, antibodies may take weeks to develop after infection, so a negative result does not rule out recent exposure.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effect is a slight bruise, redness, or soreness at the injection site. Rarely, you may experience a mild reaction like dizziness or fainting, especially if you stand up too quickly after the blood draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing genital herpes caused by HSV-2, guiding treatment decisions, and assessing risk for complications. It can also help in managing recurrent outbreaks, counseling patients about transmission risks, and planning preventive measures, such as during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes.
Short name
HSV-2 IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I have false-positive or false-negative results?
Does this test detect active herpes outbreaks?
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