HSV 1&2 Type Specific IgG ABS (Glycoprotein G)
Label Mnemonic: HSV
Epic code: LAB3371
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Chemistry
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or TWO Microtainer® devices for pediatric patients.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimens other than plasma such as urine, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid are not acceptable.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
2 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Units are in antibody index (AI)

Herpes simplex virus type 1 Glycoprotein G-specific antibody IgG:
  Non-reactive: <0.9 AI
  Equivocal: 0.9-1.0 AI
  Reactive: >1.1 AI

Herpes simplex virus type 2 Glycoprotein G-specific antibody IgG:
  Non-reactive: <0.9 AI
  Equivocal: 0.9-1.0 AI
  Reactive: >1.1 AI
Interpretive Data:
Assay methodology and reference ranges changed February 5, 2013.

This assay detects IgG-class antibodies to type-specific herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein G, and allows for the differentiation of infection caused by HSV types 1 and 2. The presence of IgG-class antibodies to HSV types 1 or 2 glycoprotein G indicates previous exposure, and does not necessarily indicate that HSV is the causative agent of an acute illness.

Negative test results do not completely rule out the possibility of an infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 as individuals may not exhibit any detectable IgG antibodies at the early stage of acute infection.

False negative results may occur when the HSV virus is glycoprotein G deficient, as may occur in 0.2% of isolates.

The detection of HSV-1 or HSV-2-specific IgG antibodies in a single sample indicates a previous exposure to HSV-1 or HSV-2, respectively, but does not give any information of the time point of an exposure.

In rare cases interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to streptavidin or ruthenium can occur.

Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's medical history and clinical symptoms. The results in HIV patients, in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, or in patients with other disorders leading to immune suppression, should be interpreted with caution.
Methodology:
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay
CPT Code:
86695, 86696