Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibodies

Test Code

6447

CPT Codes
86695, 86696

Preferred Specimen

1 mL random serum

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Plasma

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day

Limitations

Individuals infected with HSV may not exhibit detectable IgG antibody in the early stages of infection.

Reference Range

Index	Interpretation
<0.90	Negative
0.90-1.09	Equivocal
>1.09	Positive

This assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A index positive result cannot distinguish between recent and past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance index characteristics of the assay have not been established for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients, or neonatal screening.

Clinical Significance

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is responsible for several clinically significant human viral diseases, with severity ranging from inapparent to fatal. Clinical manifestations include genital tract infections, neonatal herpes, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and gingivostomatitis. There are two HSV serotypes that are closely related antigenically. HSV Type 2 is more commonly associated with genital tract and neonatal infections, while HSV Type 1 is more commonly associated with infections of non-genital sites. Specific typing is not usually required for diagnosis or treatment. The mean time to seroconversion using the type specific assay is 25 days. The performance of this assay has not been established for use in a pediatric population, for neonatal screening, or for testing of immunocompromised patients.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.