ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0050394: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgG, CSF |
| Test Mnemonic: HER1/2CSF | |
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Methodology: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: Within 24 hours |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: CSF.
Transport: 1 mL CSF at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. Remarks: Indicate source on test request form. CSF is the only acceptable specimen type. Unacceptable Conditions: Heat-inactivated or contaminated specimens. Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year |
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| Reference Interval: |
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0.89 IV or less: Negative - No significant level of detectable HSV IgG antibody. 0.90-1.09 IV: Equivocal - Questionable presence of IgG antibodies. Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful. 1.10 IV or greater: Positive - IgG antibody to HSV detected which may indicate a current or past HSV infection. |
| Interpretive Data: | |
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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% 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. Please refer to Statement E in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory. |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 86694 |