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Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Antibody, Serum

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

This test measures the presence of antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s natural defense against infections.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine if you’ve ever been exposed to HSV-2, which can cause genital herpes."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32834-4
Short code
HSV2 IgG 1:2 Ser-Rto
Synonyms
HSV2 IgG 1:2 Ser-Rto
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, which develop after your body has been exposed to HSV-2. These antibodies stay in your system long after the initial infection has passed, indicating past exposure rather than an active infection.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of genital herpes, a history of HSV-2, or if you’re at higher risk for infection (e.g., sexually active with multiple partners). It can also be used to confirm a diagnosis when other tests are inconclusive.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect HSV-2 IgG antibodies.

What Do the Results Mean?

A positive result means you have detectable HSV-2 IgG antibodies, suggesting past exposure to the virus. A negative result means the antibodies were not found in your sample at the time of testing.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Understanding Your Results

Short name

HSV-2 IgG Antibody

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates that your body has likely encountered HSV-2 at some point, though it does not confirm whether you currently have an active infection. This test is not used to diagnose an active herpes outbreak but can help confirm a past infection.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means the test did not detect HSV-2 IgG antibodies in your blood at the time of testing. This could mean you have never been exposed to HSV-2, or if you have, your antibodies may not have developed yet or have been cleared from your system.
Can this test tell me if I have an active herpes infection?
No, this test does not detect an active herpes infection. For diagnosing an active outbreak, your healthcare provider may use a different test, such as a viral culture or PCR test, which looks for the virus itself in a sample taken from a lesion.
  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