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Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Antibody, Quantitative (Serum/Plasma)

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

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 the virus and can indicate past infection.

Quick summary

["IgG antibodies to HSV may help confirm past exposure to the virus, even if you don’t currently have symptoms."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44507-2
Short code
HSV IgM Ser Ql IF
Synonyms
HSV IgM Ser Ql IF
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
if
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

Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of herpes (such as sores, pain, or flu-like illness), if you’ve had close contact with someone with HSV, or if you’re being evaluated for recurrent infections. It can also be used to monitor immune response in certain medical conditions.

What to Expect During Testing

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What the Results Mean

A positive result means your body has produced antibodies against HSV, suggesting past infection. A negative result indicates no detectable antibodies, meaning you likely haven’t been exposed recently or your immune system hasn’t mounted an antibody response yet.

Common Reasons for Testing

This test is often used to diagnose herpes infections, especially when symptoms are unclear or recurrent. It can also help determine if you’ve been exposed to HSV in the past, which may be important for sexual health discussions or medical planning.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

IgG Antibody to HSV

Frequently asked questions

How long do HSV IgG antibodies last?
HSV IgG antibodies typically remain in your blood for life after initial infection, as your immune system keeps a memory of the virus. However, the virus itself can remain dormant in your body and may reactivate later, causing outbreaks.
Can this test differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
No, this test only detects antibodies to the herpes simplex virus as a whole, not specifically HSV-1 or HSV-2. For type-specific testing, a separate IgG antibody test for HSV-1 or HSV-2 would be needed.
What if my test result is positive but I don’t have symptoms?
A positive result means you’ve likely had HSV in the past, even if you don’t currently show symptoms. This doesn’t mean you’re contagious at the moment, but it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider about managing potential outbreaks or discussing sexual health precautions.
  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