Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG
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Detects IgG antibodies specific to: HSV-1: Commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores)
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🧪 What is HSV-1 IgG?
The HSV-1 IgG test detects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the blood that are specific to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1).
- IgG antibodies typically appear 2–6 weeks after infection and remain in the blood for life.
- This test helps identify past or latent infection with HSV-1.
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Determine if a person has been previously exposed to HSV-1
- Evaluate the cause of recurrent oral sores or cold sores
- Screen asymptomatic individuals, especially pregnant women or those with HSV-2 exposure risk
- Rule out primary infection in suspected encephalitis
📊 Normal Range / Reference Values
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Negative (<0.9 Index) | No prior exposure or very early infection |
Equivocal (0.9–1.1 Index) | Uncertain – retest after 2–4 weeks |
Positive (>1.1 Index) | Past HSV-1 infection – latent or resolved |
Reference values may vary slightly depending on the lab’s assay and reporting format (Index Value, S/CO, etc.).
📈 Interpretation of Results
Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
HSV-1 IgG Positive | Indicates past exposure to HSV-1. Virus may be latent but reactivates during stress or illness. |
HSV-1 IgG Negative | Likely no prior exposure; susceptible to infection |
Equivocal | Repeat test advised to confirm status |
HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores, but can also cause genital herpes (especially with oral-genital contact).
🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions
System | Conditions |
|---|---|
Skin/Lips | Cold sores, fever blisters (oral herpes) |
CNS | HSV-1 Encephalitis (a medical emergency) |
Eyes | Herpes keratitis – may lead to vision loss |
Genital Area | Sometimes HSV-1 can cause genital herpes (milder than HSV-2) |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- HSV-1 IgM – Indicates recent or acute infection
- HSV-2 IgG/IgM – To differentiate and co-evaluate genital herpes
- HSV PCR (swab of active lesion) – Detects active virus
- Lumbar puncture + HSV PCR (CSF) – For suspected encephalitis
- TORCH panel – In pregnancy for fetal risk screening
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Requirement |
|---|---|
HSV-1 IgG | ❌ No fasting required – Blood sample can be taken anytime |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
What | Detects IgG antibodies to HSV-1 indicating past or latent infection |
Why | Diagnose past HSV-1 exposure, assess cause of cold sores, prenatal screening |
Normal Range | Negative (<0.9 Index) |
Positive Result | Past HSV-1 infection (oral, sometimes genital) |
Follow-up Tests | HSV-1/2 IgM, PCR swab, CSF PCR (for encephalitis) |
Associated Conditions | Cold sores, HSV encephalitis, keratitis, genital herpes |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
