Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody
Use
This assay detects IgG-class antibodies specific to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‑2), indicating past or recent exposure. Serologic testing may be useful for evaluating individuals with recurrent genital symptoms, those with a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes without laboratory confirmation, or patients with high-risk exposures or partners with known HSV infection. However, because serology does not confirm active lesions, nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) of lesion swabs remains the preferred method for diagnosing active genital herpes infections.
Special Instructions
This test is FDA‑cleared and performed on the Diasorin Liaison XL platform as a screening assay. For specimens with HSV‑2 IgG index values between 1.10 and 6.00, reflex confirmatory testing using the HSV‑2 IgG inhibition assay (an ELISA‑based immunoassay) is performed to distinguish true positives from false positives.
Limitations
Serologic results should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis of genital herpes. Negative results cannot exclude infection, particularly if the test is performed early in the course of disease, as antibodies may not be detectable until weeks or months post‑exposure. A small percentage (~0.2%) of HSV‑2 isolates may lack glycoprotein G, resulting in false‑negative results. Low positive index values are associated with higher rates of false positives and thus often require confirmatory inhibition testing.
FDA Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-null days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided