Specimen Preparation: Transfer 1 mL CSF to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.
Remarks: Indicate source on test request form.
Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens types other than CSF. Contaminated, heat-inactivated or hemolyzed specimens.
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year
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.
