Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Antibody, Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the level of antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These antibodies help your body fight infection caused by HSV, which can affect the skin, mouth, or genitals.
["This test helps determine if you’ve been exposed to HSV and whether your immune system is responding to past infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16944-1
- Short code
- HSV IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HSV IgM Ser-aCnc
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of HSV infection, such as sores, pain, or unusual rashes, especially if they appear repeatedly. It may also be used to diagnose HSV in people with no obvious symptoms or to monitor immune response in certain conditions.
What to Expect During the Test
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of HSV-specific IgG antibodies, suggesting past infection. However, this does not confirm an active infection—only that your body has encountered the virus before. If you have symptoms, additional testing may be needed to determine if you have an active infection.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used for screening or confirmation in cases of recurrent herpes outbreaks, evaluating immune function, or assessing exposure in high-risk groups (e.g., pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IgG antibodies to HSV provide long-term immunity after initial infection. They are useful for diagnosing past exposure, guiding treatment decisions, and assessing immune status. However, they do not indicate whether you currently have an active infection. Active HSV infection is typically diagnosed through viral culture, PCR, or clinical symptoms.
Short name
IgG Antibody to HSV
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect an active HSV infection?
How long does it take to get results?
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