Test Code HSVPS Herpes Simplex Antibody IgG
EHR Test Codes
| Test Code | Test name | |
| Atlas | HSVPS | Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Antibody Panel |
| Cerner | Herpes Simplex Antibody IgG |
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
None
Container Type:
Gold Top SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube
Specimen Type:
Serum
Specimen Volume:
2.5 mL of Serum minimum 1.0 mL of Serum
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Transport refrigerated 2-8°C.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
2 hours ambient room temperature
5 days 2-8°C
Specimen Rejection:
Gross Hemolysis
Gross Lipemia
Performing Laboratory
Munson Medical Center Laboratories
Chemistry Department
Priority, Frequency, Turnaround Time
Priority:
Non-Emergent
Frequency:
Tuesday & Friday
Turnaround:
0 - 5 Days
Methodology
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Reporting
Reference Range:
Negative
Interpretation:
The LIAISON® Analyzer automatically calculates HSV-1 IgG levels expressed as Index value and grades the results.
|
Index Value |
Results |
Interpretation |
|
< 0.90 Index |
Negative |
No detectable antibodies to HSV-1 were found. A negative result generally indicates that the patient has not been infected, but does not always rule out acute HSV infection. If clinical exposure to HSV is suspected despite a negative finding, a second sample should be collected and tested no less than 4 – 6 weeks later. |
|
≥ 0.90 Index and < 1.10 Index |
Equivocal |
Equivocal samples should be retested in duplicate by the LIAISON HSV-1 assay in order to confirm the initial result or tested by a lab experienced in confirmatory methods such as Western Blot. Samples which are positive (≥ 1.10) at the second test should be considered positive. Samples which are negative (<0.90) at the second test should be considered negative. A second sample shou be collected and tested no less than 4 – 6 weeks later when the result is repeatedly equivocal. |
|
≥ 1.10 Index |
Positive |
Indicates the presence of detectable IgG antibody to HSV-1 |
The LIAISON® Analyzer automatically calculates HSV-2 IgG levels expressed as Index value and grades the results.
|
Index Value |
Results |
Interpretation |
|
< 0.90 Index |
Negative |
No detectable antibodies to HSV-2 were found. A negative result generally indicates that the patient has not been infected, but does not always rule out acute HSV infection. If clinical exposure to HSV is suspected despite a negative finding, a second sample should be collected and tested no less than 4 – 6 weeks later. |
|
≥ 0.90 Index and < 1.10 Index |
Equivocal |
Equivocal samples should be retested in duplicate by the LIAISON HSV-2 assay in order to confirm the initial result or tested by a lab experienced in confirmatory methods such as Western Blot. Samples which are positive (≥ 1.10) at the second test should be considered positive. Samples which are negative (<0.90) at the second test should be considered negative. A second sample shou be collected and tested no less than 4 – 6 weeks later when the result is repeatedly equivocal. |
|
≥ 1.10 Index |
Positive |
Indicates the presence of detectable IgG antibody to HSV-2 |
Critical Decision:
None
Clinical Significance
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an enveloped, DNA-containing virus morphologically similar to the other members of the Herpetoviridae family. Two naturally occurring variants of HSV, with different biologic and epidemiologic characteristics, are recognized by restriction-endonuclease or antigenic analysis. Both types of virus cause infections in humans which range in severity from cold sores to encephalitis. Once infection occurs, HSV persists in a latent state in sensory ganglia from where it may re-emerge to cause periodic recurrence of infection induced by many stimuli, which may or may not result in clinical lesions. Immunocompromised patients are more likely to have frequent HSV recurrences.
HSV Type 1 (HSV-1) generally infects the mucous membrane of the eye, mouth and mucocutaneous junctions of the face, and is also one of the most common causes of severe sporadic encephalitis in adults. HSV Type 2 (HSV-2) is usually associated with mucocutaneous genital lesions.
Since HSV-1 and HSV-2 share common antigenic determinants, antibody directed against one viral type may cross-react with the other viral type. Truly type-specific antibody tests are based on glycoprotein G1 (from HSV-1) and glycoprotein G2 (from HSV-2), as these proteins exhibit very limited homology. CDC recommends the use of type-specific glycoprotein G based assays when serology is performed.
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of HSV infection is necessary to ensure early implementation of selective antiviral chemotherapy and to minimize spread of infection. Detection of IgG allows assessment of the patient’s immune status and provides serological evidence of prior exposure to HSV.
CPT Code(s)
86695
86696