Herpes Simplex Virus Antibody Test (Serum/Plasma) – Qualitative Immunoassay
This test checks for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can help determine if you’ve been exposed to HSV or if you have an active infection.
["This test helps diagnose past or current HSV exposure and guides treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109731-0
- Short code
- HSV Ag Msmt Cvx
- Synonyms
- HSV Ag Msmt Cvx
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HSV. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight infections. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if antibodies are present (positive) or not (negative), not their exact amount.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like sores, pain, or unusual rashes that could be caused by HSV, or if you have a history of HSV exposure. It may also be used to confirm a diagnosis in certain situations or to monitor treatment effectiveness.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then tested in a lab using an immunoassay method to detect HSV antibodies. The result is reported as positive or negative.
What Do the Results Mean?
A positive result means your body has detected HSV antibodies, suggesting past exposure or infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at the time of testing. Results do not indicate the presence of an active infection without additional clinical evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results can indicate prior HSV infection, which may affect future pregnancy planning, immune responses, or the need for antiviral prophylaxis. Negative results do not rule out HSV infection if testing was done too early after exposure. This test is often used as part of a broader evaluation for recurrent or suspected HSV infections.
Short name
HSV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Reasons for Testing?
Can This Test Detect an Active HSV Infection?
How Long After Exposure Might I Get a Positive Result?
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