Reference Interval:
0.89 IV or less: Negative - No significant level of detectable HSV IgM antibody.
0.90-1.09 IV: Equivocal - Questionable presence of IgM antibodies. Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.10 IV or greater: Positive - IgM antibody to HSV detected, which may indicate a current or recent infection. However, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection.
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| 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 or 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.
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| CPT Code(s): |
86694
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