Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) DNA in Serum/Plasma
This test detects the presence of genetic material from the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in your blood. It helps doctors determine if you have an active infection or if the virus is present in your body.
["This test can help diagnose active herpes infections or monitor viral load in certain conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44517-1
- Short code
- HSV DNA Amn Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- HSV DNA Amn Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like sores, fever, or fatigue that could be caused by HSV, especially if you’ve had recent exposure. It may also be used to check for HSV in people with recurrent infections, immune system issues, or during pregnancy to assess risk to the baby.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Test Results Mean
If the test is positive, it means HSV DNA was found in your blood, indicating an active infection or presence of the virus. A negative result means no detectable HSV DNA was found at the time of testing. Results can vary depending on the stage of infection.
Common Uses and Limitations
This test is primarily used for diagnosing active HSV infections or confirming the presence of the virus in certain clinical scenarios. It’s not typically used for routine screening or to confirm past infections without symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting HSV DNA in the blood can help confirm active herpes infections, guide treatment decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of antiviral therapy. It’s especially important in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems, to prevent complications or transmission.
Short name
HSV DNA Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect past infections without symptoms?
How soon 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