Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Serum Test
Short Name: HSV 1 IgG & IgM Panel
Also known as: HSV-1 Antibody Panel Test, Herpes 1 IgG IgM Blood Test, HSV Type 1 Serology Test, Cold Sore Antibody Test, Herpes Simplex 1 Serum Antibody Test
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Serum Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,521. Uses Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in Reports are typically available on the same day for samples received at the laboratory by Tuesday or Friday before 9:00 AM. Reports can be accessed via the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibodies Panel Serum Test is to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies in the blood, enabling clinicians to determine whether a person has been previously exposed to HSV-1 (IgG) or is experiencing a recent or active infection (IgM). This information is critical for diagnosing HSV-1 infection, guiding management during pregnancy, monitoring antiviral treatment effectiveness, and evaluating patients with neurological symptoms potentially caused by HSV encephalitis. By distinguishing between past exposure and active infection, the test helps healthcare providers make informed clinical decisions regarding antiviral therapy, counselling on transmission risk, and neonatal protection strategies.
- Test Code
- 743
- CPT Code
- 86694, 86695
- ICD Code
- B00.1, B00.9, A60.0
- Price
- ₹1,521
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available on the same day for samples received at the laboratory by Tuesday or Friday before 9:00 AM. Reports can be accessed via the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required for the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibodies Panel Serum Test. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications, immunosuppressive therapies, or recent vaccinations, as these may influence antibody levels. There is no need to discontinue any regular medications prior to sample collection.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 3 mL of blood from a vein in the arm (venipuncture) using a standard needle and a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes. Patients may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort at the needle insertion site. Pressure and a bandage will be applied to the puncture site after blood collection.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, patients may resume normal activities immediately. Mild bruising or soreness at the puncture site is common and resolves within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting with the collection arm for a few hours. The blood sample is processed to separate serum and is then transported under refrigerated or frozen conditions to the laboratory for analysis.
Timeline: Reports are typically available on the same day for samples received at the laboratory by Tuesday or Friday before 9:00 AM. Reports can be accessed via the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibodies Panel Serum Test is to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies in the blood, enabling clinicians to determine whether a person has been previously exposed to HSV-1 (IgG) or is experiencing a recent or active infection (IgM). This information is critical for diagnosing HSV-1 infection, guiding management during pregnancy, monitoring antiviral treatment effectiveness, and evaluating patients with neurological symptoms potentially caused by HSV encephalitis. By distinguishing between past exposure and active infection, the test helps healthcare providers make informed clinical decisions regarding antiviral therapy, counselling on transmission risk, and neonatal protection strategies.
How to Prepare
- Collect approximately 3 mL (minimum 2 mL) of venous blood into a Serum Separator Tube (SST)
- Gently invert the SST 8-10 times after collection to ensure proper mixing
- Allow the sample to clot for 30 minutes at room temperature before centrifugation
- Centrifuge and separate serum from the gel barrier
- Ship the serum sample refrigerated (2-8°C) or frozen (-20°C) to the laboratory
- Label the sample clearly with patient name, date of collection, and sample ID
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"HSV-1 serology is a valuable tool for determining previous exposure to the virus, particularly in pregnant women who have not been previously exposed and are therefore susceptible to primary infection. IgG positivity indicates past exposure and some degree of immune protection, while IgM positivity may suggest recent or active infection. Clinical correlation with symptoms is essential, as isolated IgM results can sometimes be false-positive. For pregnant women, knowing HSV-1 serostatus helps guide management during delivery to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes. Patients presenting with recurrent orolabial lesions, unexplained encephalitis symptoms, or those undergoing organ transplant evaluation may also benefit from this panel."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Haemolysed, lipaemic, or grossly icteric samples
- Samples collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST)
- Samples received without proper labelling or with mismatched patient identifiers
- Samples that have exceeded stability limits at the received temperature condition
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 2 mL serum)
Understanding Your Results
No evidence of past or current HSV-1 infection. The patient has likely never been exposed to HSV-1. However, very early or recent infection may not yet have produced detectable antibodies. If clinical suspicion is high, repeat testing in 2-4 weeks is recommended.
Indicates past exposure to HSV-1 with the development of long-term antibodies. The patient has had a previous HSV-1 infection at some point. This does not indicate active infection. The patient has some degree of immune protection against reinfection with the same virus type.
May indicate viral reactivation or a recent secondary infection. IgG confirms prior exposure, while IgM positivity could suggest reactivation of latent HSV-1. Clinical correlation is important, as IgM can also be falsely positive. Consider paired serology or PCR testing for confirmation.
May suggest a very recent primary HSV-1 infection where IgG has not yet developed, or a false-positive IgM result. Repeat testing in 2-4 weeks is recommended to observe for seroconversion of IgG. Correlation with clinical symptoms is essential.
Borderline or indeterminate results require repeat testing in 2-4 weeks to determine if antibody levels are rising or declining. Equivocal results should not be used as a sole basis for clinical decisions.
Consult your doctor if you experience recurrent cold sores or blisters around the mouth or genitals, unexplained neurological symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, fever, or seizures, or if you are pregnant and unsure of your HSV-1 status. Additionally, consult your physician if your test results are equivocal, if IgM is positive without clear clinical symptoms, or if you are immunocompromised and have been exposed to someone with active herpes infection. Early consultation helps in timely diagnosis, appropriate antiviral treatment, and prevention of transmission, especially in vulnerable populations such as newborns and immunosuppressed individuals.
Limitations
- ⚠This test detects antibodies to HSV-1 only and does not distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 unless the panel explicitly includes type-specific glycoprotein G-based assays
- ⚠IgM results should be interpreted with caution; IgM alone is not definitive proof of acute infection as false-positives are well documented
- ⚠The test cannot determine the site of infection (oral vs. genital) solely from serological results
- ⚠Serology does not indicate viral shedding status; a positive IgG does not confirm active contagious infection
- ⚠A single IgG titre cannot reliably distinguish between recent and remote infection; paired sera (acute and convalescent) are needed for rising titre confirmation
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or discomfort at the blood draw site
- ●Minor bruising or haematoma at the puncture area
- ●Rarely, dizziness or lightheadedness during or after phlebotomy
- ●Very rare risk of infection at the needle insertion site
- ●Very rare risk of excessive bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders
Interfering Factors
- ●Cross-reactivity with other herpesviruses (e.g., HSV-2, EBV, CMV) may occasionally cause false-positive IgM results
- ●Immunosuppressive therapy or conditions may reduce antibody production and lead to false-negative results
- ●Very early infection (within the first 1-2 weeks) may not yet produce detectable antibody levels
- ●Rheumatoid factor (RF) in serum can interfere with IgM assays and produce false-positive results
- ●Haemolysed, lipaemic, or icteric samples may interfere with certain immunoassay platforms
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Serum Test | HSV-2 IgG & IgM Antibody Panel | HSV PCR (Cerebrospinal Fluid) | HSV Culture / Swab Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Serum Test | HSV-2 testing detects antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2, which is primarily associated with genital herpes. While HSV-1 predominantly causes orolabial infections, cross-reactivity between HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur in certain assays. Both panels use similar methodology (EIA/CLIA) and sample requirements. | HSV PCR from CSF is the gold standard for diagnosing HSV encephalitis. Unlike antibody-based serology, PCR directly detects viral DNA. It is more suitable for acute CNS infection diagnosis, while serology (IgG/IgM) is preferred for determining immune status and past exposure. | Viral culture or PCR from a swab of an active lesion directly detects the presence of the virus at the site of infection. This is the preferred method for diagnosing active outbreaks. In contrast, the antibody panel detects the body's immune response and is better suited for assessing exposure history. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibodies Panel Serum Test?
Why is the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibody Test done?
What are the symptoms of HSV-1 infection?
What sample is required for this test?
Is fasting required for the HSV 1 Antibody Test?
What does a positive HSV-1 IgG result mean?
What does a positive HSV-1 IgM result mean?
Can this test distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
How accurate is the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibody Test?
Is this test recommended during pregnancy?
How long does it take to get the results?
What is the cost of the HSV 1 IgG & IgM Antibodies Panel Serum Test at DNA Labs India?
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