ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgG : 0050293

Mnemonic: HERPES

Methodology: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Serum from umbilical cord blood.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transport 1 mL serum. (Min: 0.5 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Urine. CSF (refer to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgG, CSF, ARUP test code 0050394). Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
 
0.89 IV or less: Not Detected.
0.90-1.09 IV: Indeterminate - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.10 IV or greater: Detected.

Interpretive Data: The best evidence for current infection is a significant change on two appropriately timed specimens, where both tests are done in the same laboratory at the same time.
CPT Code(s): 86694
Cross References: HSV 1 & 2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgG)