Ordering Recommendation

Not a standalone test. Molecular testing is preferred; refer to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (2010095).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is not New York state approved. There are no New York state-approved laboratories available. Submit a Non-Permitted Laboratory Request Form (NPL) to the NYDOH prior to collection of specimen. If NPL is approved by NYDOH, and sample is received at ARUP, testing will be performed.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

CSF.

Specimen Preparation

Transfer 0.5 mL CSF to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimen types other than CSF. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or hemolyzed specimens.

Remarks

Indicate source on test request form.

Stability

Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Reported

1-5 days

Reference Interval

0.89 IV or less Negative - No significant level of detectable IgG antibody to HSV type 1 glycoprotein G.
0.90-1.10 IV Equivocal - Questionable presence of IgG antibody to HSV type 1.  Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.11 IV or greater Positive - IgG antibody to HSV type 1 glycoprotein G detected, which may indicate a current or past infection.

Interpretive Data

Individuals infected with HSV may not exhibit detectable IgG antibody to type-specific HSV antigens 1 and 2 in the early stages of infection. Detection of antibody presence in these cases may only be possible using a nontype-specific screening test.

The detection of antibodies to herpes simplex virus in CSF may indicate central nervous system infection. However, consideration must be given to possible contamination by blood or transfer of serum antibodies across the blood-brain barrier.

Fourfold or greater rise in CSF antibodies to herpes on specimens at least 4 weeks apart are found in 74-94 percent of patients with herpes encephalitis.  Specificity of the test based on a single CSF testing is not established.  Presently PCR is the primary means of establishing a diagnosis of herpes encephalitis.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.

Compliance Category

Modified FDA

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86695

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050379 HSV Type 1 Antibody IgG, CSF 48399-0
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • HerpeSelect
  • HSV 1 CSF
  • HSV type 1 glycoprotein G, CSF
  • HSV typing CSF
  • HSV-1
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IgG by ELISA, CSF