Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 igg type specific antibodies

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Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 igg type specific antibodies


Test Description

“Where to get tested for Herpes Near Me?” If this sounds like you, then you are on the right page!

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG is a type of blood test that can detect herpes simplex virus (HSV). This test identifies the immune proteins, called antibodies, instead of the actual virus. The antibodies are produced in the response of the infection.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the antibody that is specifically produced to fight the pathogen that causes this disease. Herpes IgG is always produced when the body is trying to fight the HSV infection. The IgG test is used frequently, but it is not the only test for HSV. There is another test called herpes IgM test that detects the antibody known as immunoglobulin M. Unlike the IgG antibodies that stay active for a lifetime; the IgM antibodies are only produced during active or recent infection.

What is the purpose of the herpes igg test?
The herpes IgG test is mostly used to confirm a genital herpes infection. It can be performed with herpes viral vulture or HSV polymerase chain reaction. The primary purpose of this test is to identify whether you have been exposed to the HSV-1 or HSV-2. While the former one is associated with cold sores, the later ones result in genital herpes.
Still, the IgG test has its limits. The test results based on the body's response to HSV instead of the virus; the diagnosis won't be accurate. It can take up to four months before enough IgG is produced to give accurate results. On the positive side, the IgG test can differentiate among the HSV-1 and HSV-2 as compared to the IgM test.

Prevention Before and During the Test:
There is no preparation required to detect the Herpes Simplex IgG type-specific antibodies. The timing, location, food, and drink don't matter. The test is affordable, and it can be performed at any public clinic. In the test, a blood sample is drawn, and the test results are prepared within two to five working days. After the test, you might feel soreness, swelling, or bruising due to blood draw.

Interpreting Results:
The results of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG type-specific antibodies test will have results as positive, negative, or equivocal.

  1. The positive result means that IgG is detected.
  2. If the test is negative, it means you don’t have any IgG antibodies present.
  3. The equivocal test means that the results are unclear.
In most cases, the IgG and IgM antibodies test are taken at the same time. It is done to get accurate results. If you have positive IgG and negative IgM, this means the infection is established. In the case of negative IgG and positive IgM, the results tell that there is an acute or recent infection. For positive IgG and IgM tests, the results reveal that the infection date is intermediate. And if both tests are negative, it signifies that no infection is detected during the tests.
So, if you exhibit any symptom, hurry up and get tested right away. The faster you get the results, the quicker you'll be able to treat the disease.