Test Components:

The test screens for:

1. Herpes Simplex Virus-1
2. Herpes Simplex Virus-2
3. Antibody IgG

Description:

There are two types of herpes – Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) and Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is very common among people (70%) and they usually come into contact with the virus from an oral infection as a child.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease.

This Herpes Simplex Virus I/II, IgG Test measures the level of IgG antibodies (your body’s immune response to the virus) in your blood. It is an accurate blood test because it tells you which virus the IgG antibodies are responding to. In other words, this test will tell you if you are positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Why Do I Need It?:

Many of those infected are unaware they have it. If you’ve had unprotected sex (including oral) with an infected person, or someone you suspect, you may have been infected. It may take up to 3 months after a possible infection for HSV to show up in blood work.

In addition, some scientific evidence suggests that people with HSV are more likely to contract HIV and other serious sexually transmitted diseases. That’s why we offer a Comprehensive STD Panel.

Other Relevant Tests:

If you’re considering getting the Herpes Simplex Virus I/II, IgG, you might want to consider the Comprehensive STD Panel, a higher value panel that tests for several STDs including Herpes Virus I and II.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

Normal ranges are listed as negative and mean that you have not been infected with the virus.

High Results Indicate:

Positive results indicate that you have been infected with HSV recently or in the past. Herpes can stay dormant and not cause any symptoms, but this does not mean that you cannot infect your partner(s). This test will not indicate if the virus is active or not.

Low Results Indicate:

There are no low results with this test.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

If you have a positive test result, you should see your primary care physician for treatment.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)