Ordering Recommendation

Not recommended for herpes simplex virus (HSV) testing; IgM lacks adequate predictive value for acute infection. If pursuing antibody testing, refer to Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibodies, IgG by CIA (0051152). If acute HSV infection is suspected, molecular testing is preferred; refer to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (2010095).

Mnemonic

HSV MC

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-2 days

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York DOH approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Serum Separator Tube (SST).

Specimen Preparation

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 0.5 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or convalescent."

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic specimens.

Remarks
Stability

After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Reference Interval

0.89 IV or less: Not Detected.
0.90-1.09 IV: Indeterminate - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.10 IV or greater: Detected - 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.

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

FDA

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86694

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050641 HSV 1 and/or 2 Abs, IgM by ELISA 41399-7
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • HSV
  • HSV antibodies type 1 or 2
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and/or 2 Antibodies, IgM by ELISA