Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-IgG Test

What is Herpes simplex virus(HSV)?

Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV) is an infectious virus which causes Herpes. The Herpes Simplex Virus exists in two forms, HSV1 and HSV 2.  Hence, HSV1 and HSV2 are two different strains of Herpes Simplex Virus which is very easily transferred via coming in touch with an infected person.

Normally mouths and lips get affected by cold sores and blisters by HSV1 and HSV-2 causes lesions around the genital area. Both HSV1 and HSV2 can lead to both conditions. It is important to know that HSV-1 and HSV-2 can spread both in the absence as well as the presence of the sores.

What is Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-IgG?

As the Herpes Simplex Virus infects our body, the immune system of your body starts producing different antibodies in response. These antibodies are produced for combatting the infection. Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody which stays in the blood of a person even long after the recovery of the Herpes simplex virus infection.

The presence or the absence of the Herpes Simplex Virus IgG antibody helps in determining if a person had any record of previous Herpes simplex virus infection and if the person has enough antibody to combat the current infection.

What is  Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-IgG Test?

Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG Test is used for assessing and monitoring the presence of the IgG(Immunoglobulin G) antibody in the blood. In the case of meningitis and encephalitis, the CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid) is tested. 

Why did my doctor recommend me to undergo the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

If your doctor has suggested you the Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Test, he might want to diagnose the following conditions:

– The reason behind the sores around the mouth and/or in the genital area.

– To check if the sexual partner of a person with genital herpes is also infected with HSV.

– For diagnosing neonatal herpes in the newborns who are born from the mothers infected with genital herpes.

When should I take the Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Test?

If you are noticing the symptoms of herpes virus infection, then the Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Test is highly recommended. The most common symptoms of the Herpes Virus infection are:

– Fever
– Chronic headache
– Neck stiffness
– Sensitivity to light
– Change in mental condition 
– Fatigue or lethargy
– Itching or tingling sensations in the genital and/or anal area
– Blisters that burst to cause painful sores
– Pain when passing urine, especially women

What are the preparations needed for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

No specific preparations are required for carrying out this test.

– There’s no requirement of fasting.
– No new medications are included.
– No old medications are needed to be stopped. 

Consult your doctor for further suggestions since he can suggest you better according to your health conditions.
 

What is the procedure for the blood test for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

The Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Test is carried out using a blood sample which is collected by the process of venipuncture. The procedure is as follows:
 
– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.

– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.

– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.

– The tourniquet is unwrapped.

– An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.

– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.

– The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the Herpes Simplex Virus IgG Test.

In the case of infants, the blood sample is collected from the heels of the infant with a simple pinprick.

What is the procedure of the CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid) test for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

The procedure of collection of Cerebrospinal Fluid includes:
 
– You will be instructed to lie down on your side with the knees pulled closer to your chest and the chin bent downwards.

– The CSF can also be collected while you are sitting bent forward.

– The practitioner then applies a numbing cream or inject a numbing medicine(anaesthesia) in the lower back of the spinal cord.

– Once the area on your back is completely numb, a needle or a syringe is injected in between two vertebrae of the spinal cord.

– The CSF is collected inside the tube of the syringe. It can take about five minutes.

– You need to stay still as the cerebrospinal fluid is being withdrawn.

– As the CSF is collected, the area of the puncture is cleaned and bandaged.

You might be asked to lie down on your back for an hour or two after the CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid) sample collection. This will help you avoid getting any headache afterwards.

Is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain wears off within a few hours.

What are the risks of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG blood Test?

There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection(venipuncture) might have some risks associated with it:

– Some people feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn.

– It might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).

– There might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.
 

What are the risks of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid) Test?

There are a few risks associated with the procedure of the collection of the sample of the CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid). Some common risks are as follows:

– Discomfort or pain during the procedure.
– Bleeding into the spinal cord, particularly in people having a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
– Headache as a result of CSF leakage.
– Infection.
– Nerve damage.

What is the other test recommended along with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

The other test recommended along with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test is Herpes Simplex Virus II(HSV) Test.

What is the price range of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test in India?

The price of the  Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test coupled with Herpes Simplex Virus I(HSV)IgM Test ranges from Rs 700-6800 , in India. The prices might vary depending on the location i.e. the city or the state the diagnostic centre is located in.

When will I get my results of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test?

You will get your results for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test in 24 to 36 hours of the test.

What does my Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test result depict?

The interpretation of the results for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test is elaborated in the chart given below:

Is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test recommended for pregnant women?

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test is highly recommended in pregnant women to diagnose if she has an active Herpes virus infection. Herpes Virus infection is easily transmittable to the unborn who can get adversely affected. Hence, it is essential for a pregnant woman to undergo the Herpes Simplex Virus I(HSV) IgG Test.
 

Is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test safe for my unborn?

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test is carried out by the collection of the blood sample or the CSF(Cerebrospinal Fluid) sample. Both of the procedures do not harm the baby inside the womb in any manner. Hence it is completely safe for your unborn.
 

Is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test recommended for my newborn?

The newborns from the mother having Herpes Virus infection are highly suggested to undergo the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgG Test.

What are the benefit and limitation of the test?