Ordering Recommendation

Not generally recommended. If acute and/or active herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is suspected, molecular testing is preferred; refer to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (2010095). If pursuing antibody testing, refer to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IgG by ELISA, CSF (0050379) and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IgG by ELISA, CSF (0050359).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is not New York state approved. There are no New York state-approved laboratories available and NYDOH is not accepting Non-permitted Laboratory Requests (NPL). Do not submit sample to ARUP.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

CSF.

Specimen Preparation

Transfer 1 mL CSF to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimens 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 Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

Within 24 hours

Reference Interval

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

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.

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

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86694

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050394 HSV 1/2 Antibody Screen IgG, CSF 13249-8
* 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

  • Herpes Simplex Antibodies, IgG
  • Herpes Simplex Serology, Serum HSV 1,2
  • HSV 1, 2 IgG
  • HSV 1,2
  • HSV CSF IgG
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgG, CSF