Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Test - IgG

Herpes simplex virus causes infection related to the skin, and the condition is called herpes. Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can be very uncomfortable and painful, which leads to serious health problems. Herpes can be of two types based on types of herpes simplex virus, which are HSV-1 or HSV-2.

HSV-1 is a highly transmissible infection by oral to oral contact that is a common problem globally. This infection is lifelong and can be acquired by an infant. HSV-1 majorly causes oral herpes, which is an infection in or around the mouth or oral cavity. Also known as oral-labial, oral-facial herpes. A proportion of HSV-1 disease also causes genital herpes.

HSV-2 is almost entirely a sexually transmitted disease, with extensive spread. HSV-2 causes genital herpes infection. It is an infection in genital areas like the vaginal, penis, vulva, cervix, or sometimes infection of the anus. While the leading cause of genital herpes is HSV-2, also HSV-1 can cause genital herpes.

This HSV test measures the presence of the herpes simplex virus in your body. The HSV test helps diagnose HSV and confirm the type of virus causing genital or oral herpes infection.

Your doctor may recommend an HSV test when you are experiencing symptoms like blisters or sores on the skin, burning or itching skin, blisters on genital areas, sores in or around the mouth, severe headache, fever.

Positive HSV test presence can affect your health conditions with complications like inflammation (swelling) in the brain or eyes, chances of having other STDs like HIV or infant-related infections.

An estimated 3.7 billion people, with 67% under the age of 50, have HSV-1 infection. While an estimated 491 million people, with 13% aged between 15-49, have HSV-2 condition.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection

The Herpes Simplex Virus test detects the presence of the virus in your body. The type of Herpes simplex virus determines if it is genital or oral herpes, which could be HSV-1 or HSV-2. The high positive presence of HSV can affect different parts of the body as well, majorly the skin.

A doctor may recommend you an HSV test if found symptoms of initial infection:

• Small blisters and sores on the skin
• Burning or itching on the skin
• Body pain or fever
• Skin infections like blisters or sores in genital areas (vagina or penis)
• Small sores or blisters on the lips or around the mouth
• Severe headache

As herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, your doctor may recommend you to HSV test when you do not have any symptoms, but if:

• Have a sexual partner with herpes
• Multiple sexual partners
• A sex partner who has another sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV
• Pregnant with your partner who has had previous herpes infections
• An HSV test may also be prescribed by your doctor when you have signs and symptoms of the rare medical disorder meningitis.

Suppose the results of an HSV test are positive, or you have symptoms of infection. In that case, you need to consult a dermatologist and an infectious diseases specialist in complicated health cases to get the necessary treatment.

Herpes is a non-curable disease, but some antiviral medications or drugs like Zovirax, Famvir, or Valtrex can prevent or shorten the outbreaks of herpes.

To detect the herpes simplex virus in your body, a doctor may recommend the HSV Test. With the positive test results, the doctor may recommend repeating the HSV test every 21 to 42 days.

If the last test results are not positive, you may be asked to repeat the test after one year or might have herpes symptoms.

Before the Test

Your physician will not mandate any specific pre-test requirements for the HCV test. However, should you be required to undergo this test concurrently with another that necessitates fasting, you may be advised to abstain from foods. For further details, please consult with your doctor.

During the Test

The HCV test involves the extraction of a blood sample from a vein in your arm:

• The area where the needle will be inserted will be disinfected with antiseptic.
• To enhance the visibility of the veins, a tourniquet will be applied around your arm.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein to collect the blood, which will cause a brief pinch.
• The collected blood will be transferred to a vial/small test tube, and a label bearing your personal information will be attached.

After the Test

Following the collection of the blood sample:

• A bandage will be applied to control any bleeding at the puncture site.
• It is common to experience bruising there. Should you feel lightheaded (a rare but possible side effect), rest for a few minutes until the sensation subsides.
• If there is persistent bleeding, severe pain, or the development of rashes at the puncture site, please contact your doctor for further guidance

The Herpes Simplex Virus Test measures the presence of the herpes virus in the blood. The HSV test confirms the presence of an HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, which can detect genital and oral herpes.

The abnormal or positive presence can affect your health from a mild to severe disease or infection. Whereas expected or negative results do not suggest the presence of any disease or infection in your body.

The abnormal presence of the Herpes simplex virus can affect your health from mild to severe infection, whereas its usual presence is not related to any diseased condition.

• The presence of HSV is determined as unfavourable when the level is less or equal to 0.89 IV.
• The presence of HSV is determined as equivocal - Questionable when the level is between 0.90 - 1.09
• The presence of HSV is determined as positive when the level is equal to or greater than 1.10

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Positive presence of an HSV test

The abnormal or positive Herpes Simplex Virus Test can affect your health from mild to severe health problems. Some of these diseased conditions are -

• Neonatal herpes: A medical condition in an infant when exposed to HSV in the genital tract during delivery. It is a rare disease but a severe condition that can lead to neurological disability or the death of an infant.
• Encephalitis: It is a condition of swelling of the active brain tissues from an infection or an autoimmune response of the body. Swelling in the brain can lead to mental confusion and a severe headache. It is a rare condition that occurs in the presence of the herpes simplex virus.
• Keratitis: An infection of the eye cornea (clear tissue on the front of the eye) caused by the presence of HSV. Eye infection can lead to eye redness, pain in the eye, or dysfunction of vision.  
• HIV or other STDs: The risk of having HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases increases with the positive presence of HSV. HIV causes AIDS and impedes the body's ability to fight infections. HIV increases the severity of herpes infection, which can further lead to lung infections, liver infections, or brain infections, etc

Negative presence of an HSV test

The average or negative HSV test means the virus is not present at the detectable level of the Herpes simplex virus in your body. The usual presence does not indicate any infectious or disease-related conditions.