HSV-1+2 IgG Antibodies
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About HSV-1+2 IgG Antibodies
An infection called Herpes is caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is of two types:
- HSV-1 – causes cold sores around the mouth or face region.
- HSV-2 – affects the genitals, anal, and buttocks region.
It is transmitted through direct contact with infected persons.
The HSV-1+2 IgG antibodies test helps detect IgG antibodies specific to the herpes simplex virus. This test is performed to confirm past or long-standing infections with herpes simplex virus. These IgG antibodies are usually detectable 3 to 4 weeks after the initial infection and remain present for life.
What is the HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test used for?
The HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test is used to determine whether a person has been exposed to HSV-1, HSV-2, or both in the past, by detecting specific IgG antibodies in the blood. A positive result indicates previous infection (and usually lifelong immunity), while a negative result means no prior exposure.
The HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test is recommended in individuals when:
- Repeated symptoms are present with a negative result but active herpes infection is still suspected
- There has been risk exposure to the herpes virus with no symptoms
- The person is expecting a child or attempting to conceive
- The person is HIV positive or at higher risk of contracting HIV
Symptoms of Herpes infection
In most of the cases, the herpes infection is asymptomatic, i.e., with no symptoms. However, if symptoms appear, they include:
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Open sores (ulcers) – a characteristic feature of herpes infection
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Fever
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Body aches
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Sore throat (oral herpes)
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Headache
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Swollen lymph nodes
Who should get tested?
The HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test should be taken by individuals who are:
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Sexually active
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Have more than one sexual partner
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Have sex with partners affected with herpes or other STDs
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Trying to conceive or pregnant
Test preparation
No special preparation is required to take the HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications before taking the test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Normal range: 0.89 IV or less (intravenous immunoglobulins)
The test results for the herpes simplex virus-1+2 IgG antibody test are given as either positive or negative.
Positive test results
These indicate there were IgG antibodies detected in the individual’s blood and may mean one of the following two things:
- Active or current infection
- Past or resolved infection
Negative test results
It indicates there were no IgG antibodies found in the individual’s blood sample and it is likely that the individual is not infected by the herpes simplex virus.
FAQs on HSV-1+2 IgG Antibodies
The test results for the HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test are generally available within 2 – 3 working days after the sample collection. However, it can also take a little longer at times.
Your healthcare provider will draw a few millilitres of blood from a vein in your forearm. Your physician will either tie an elastic band around your upper arm or ask you to make a fist to collect the blood sample. This will aid in the accumulation of blood in the veins, making blood collection easier. Following that, he will inject a small needle into a vein in your arm, extract a few millilitres of blood, and then withdraw the needle.
No, there are no potential risks associated with the HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can become infected.
Although an individual shows no symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the virus to others either during sexual intercourse or other close contact. One can consider the following precautions if they are HSV positive and asymptomatic:
- Let the other sexual partner know about you being HSV-positive before having sex.
- Do not ever go for oral, vaginal, or anal sex if the other person shows sores near these regions.
- Do not share your personal belongings with someone who is not infected, such as towels, toothbrushes, lipstick, etc.
- Do not share your utensils with others unless they are properly washed before use.
- Always clean your hands well with soap or handwash after touching any of the infected area, or the sores.
The other tests such as viral culture test, polymerase chain reaction test, virus antigen detection test, and antibody test, etc. could be advised along with the HSV-1+2 IgG antibody test to ensure the test results.
HSV-1+2 IgG Antibodies
