Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 IgG

Detects IgG antibodies to HSV-2.

To detect exposure to HSV-2 when there is a specific reason.

1. Tell your doctor when your symptoms started or when you may have been exposed to the infection.
2. Fasting is usually not required for blood antibody tests. Tell your doctor when the illness started and about your current treatment.
3. List the medications you take, any immunosuppressive treatment, and previous test results if you have them.
4. If the test is done very soon after a possible infection, discuss with your doctor whether a negative result should be repeated.

Fasting is generally not required. If another test has been ordered at the same time, the overall preparation plan may change.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Time since infection and the antibody development window
• Immune status and some treatments
• Cross-reactions and test specificity

Venous blood — serum or plasma

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

Type-specific IgG may indicate a past infection. The result cannot tell exactly when the infection occurred; HSV-1 IgG does not distinguish between oral and genital infection. Early in an infection the result may still be negative.

If the result is positive, reactive or equivocal, see your doctor to decide whether further testing and treatment are needed.

IgG may indicate a past infection. HSV-1 IgG does not show where the infection is located; low-positive HSV-2 results sometimes require confirmation.