Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2), Type-specific Antibodies, IgG

If tube other than a gel-barrier is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

Refrigerate.

Gross hemolysis; obvious microbial contamination and/or received outside of specimen and/or storage and/or requirements; heat-inactivated samples

A negative test result does not completely rule out the possibility of an infection with HSV 2. Individuals may not exhibit any detectable IgG antibodies at the early state of acute infection. False negative results may occur when the HSV virus is glycoprotein G (gG) deficient (0.2% HSV isolates were gG deficient). False-positive results may occur. Repeat testing, or testing by a different method, may be indicated in some settings (e.g., patients with low likelihood of HSV-2 infection). 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. Specimens from neonates, cord blood, pretransplant patients or body fluids other than serum and plasma, such as urine, saliva or amniotic fluid, have not been tested. The results should be assessed in conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Mar 5:ciae104. PubMed 38442248

Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PH, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recom Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. PubMed 34292926