What Do Herpes Test Numbers Mean?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by blisters and sores around the genitals or rectum. The disease is caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. Sores and blisters can be tested for these viruses with a tissue sample.

Positive Culture

• A positive herpes simplex culture indicates there is an active HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Ask your doctor about available treatment if your test shows positive levels of infection.

Negative Culture

• A negative herpes simplex culture means that no herpes simplex virus was detected. This does not rule out the virus' presence, as improper handling of test materials can cause a false negative, according to LabTestsOnline.

LgM Antibodies

• Antibodies are cells your body creates to fight off infection. HSV-1 or HSV-2 lgM antibodies indicate a recent or active infection.

LgG Antibodies

• The presence of these antibodies is a sign of previous infection.

No HSV Antibodies

• No HSV antibodies on the test are a sign that there is no infection or it was so recent that the body has not yet created antibodies.