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Test for Herpes Virus Antibodies

Antibody testing is one of the diagnostic techniques that can be used to detect herpes simplex viral infections. However, because of some drawbacks with antibody tests, they are normally used in conjunction with other tests.

  1. Identification

    • When a person becomes infected with a disease-causing agent, such as a herpes virus, the immune system develops antibodies to help control the infection. These are detected by antibody tests.

    Features

    • A herpes antibody test is performed on a sample of blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Drawbacks

    • A common type of herpes testing, the IgM antibody test, cannot accurately tell the difference between an HSV-1 (cold sore) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) infection and may yield false positives and negatives. This antibody test reacts with other members of the herpes virus family, such as the chicken pox virus, according to the American Social Health Association (ASHA).

    Potential

    • The ASHA recommends the use of IgG antibody testing for herpes, which can accurately distinguish between different types of herpes infection.

    Time Frame

    • IgG antibody testing should be performed between twelve and sixteen weeks after the last time an individual could have been exposed to herpes virus in order to provide adequate time to develop a detectable level of antibodies, according to the ASHA.

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