Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IgG by ELISA, CSF

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR36496Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0050379CPT Code 86695

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein G-Specific Antibody, IgG by ELISA, CSF

Also known as: HERPICSF

Clinical Use

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Use

The test is used to detect IgG antibodies specific to glycoprotein G of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This helps in identifying the presence of HSV-1 antibodies which could indicate a current or past HSV infection in the central nervous system. However, the detection of such antibodies is not entirely indicative of infection due to potential contamination from blood or serum antibodies crossing the blood-brain barrier. The presence of antibodies in CSF may point to central nervous system infection but is not conclusive without considering these factors.

Special Instructions

This test requires the submission of a Non-Permitted Laboratory Request Form (NPL) to the New York Department of Health (NYDOH) before specimen collection, as it is not approved for New York state testing. It's not a standalone test; molecular testing by PCR is recommended for confirming HSV-1 and HSV-2 subtypes.

Limitations

Detection of antibodies in CSF does not establish a diagnosis conclusively due to possible contamination by blood or serum antibodies. A fourfold or greater rise in antibodies over serial samples taken at least 4 weeks apart is more conclusive. Currently, PCR remains the primary method for diagnosing herpes encephalitis. The test's specificity based on a single CSF sample is not established. Additionally, infected individuals may not exhibit detectable IgG antibodies in the early stages of infection.

Test Details