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Test Code HSV12G Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2, IgG

Additional Codes

Epic EAP
LAB4039  HSV I and II IGG 

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Collection Container: 

SST (Serum Separator)

 

Also Acceptable Collection Container: 

Red (No Additive)

 

Collection Information: 

Collect blood in a serum separator tube or red serum tube.

 

Transport Information: 

Spin down and send 0.6 mL of serum refrigerated.

 

Minimum Sample Volume: 

0.4 mL of serum (approximately 0.8 mL of whole blood based upon normal patient hematocrit)

Performing Laboratory

Pathology Laboratory, UnityPoint Health, Des Moines

CPT

86695-Herpes simplex, type 1

86696-Herpes simplex, type 2

Stability

Refrigerated Stability: 

14 days - Preferred

 

Frozen Stability: 

14 days

 

Ambient Stability: 

NOT Acceptable

Performance

Methodology: 

Immunoassay

 

Performed: 

Daily

 

Analytical Time: 

Same day/1 day

Alias

HSVAGM, HSV Glycoprotein 1 and 2, HSV IgM, Herpes IgM

Note that HSV IgM testing was discontinued by Mayo Medical Laboratories effective 12/03/2019; 

Explanation: HSV IgM testing has several limitations, including 1) the inability to accurately differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, 2) prolonged time (10-21 days) between infection and seroconversion, and 3) prolonged positivity (3-6 months or longer) of anti-HSV IgM antibodies following infection. Collectively, these characteristics significantly limit the use of anti-HSV IgM as a marker of acute or recent HSV infection. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend anti-HSV IgM testing. Therefore, to align with the guidance from the CDC and IDSA, MCL will discontinue offering HSV IgM testing.

As alternatives to HSV IgM testing, for diagnosis of acute HSV infection UPHDM recommends molecular testing for clinically-affected areas (e.g., genital or dermal lesions, blood, CSF). For determination of patient exposure history to HSV, UPHDM recommends type-specific HSV IgG testing (Epic LAB4039/Sunquest HSVGM)