Pre test Information : No Special Preparation Needed

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies test determines whether or not you've ever been exposed to this virus. It is a blood test that looks for specific antibodies in your body.

Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system to combat specific pathogens, most commonly bacteria and viruses. This test determines whether you have antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2, the two types of herpes viruses.

Around 18 to 21 days after infection, your body begins to produce two types of HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies. IgG and IgM antibodies are the two types of antibodies.

IgG antibodies are the most common, and IgM antibodies are the first ones produced by your body when you come into contact with a virus or bacteria. Both are present in blood and other bodily fluids.

The best versions of this test can distinguish between previous HSV-1 and HSV-2 exposure.

When Is a Herpes Antibodies Test Required?

When your doctor wants to diagnose an active infection, herpes antibodies tests are not recommended. In this case, the best tests are to collect a sample from you and try to culture the virus or to test for the presence of its genome using a technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

If a PCR test detects an active infection, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help prevent outbreaks or shorten their duration. When you're taking these medications, outbreaks are usually shorter and cause fewer lesions than when you're not.

Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are examples of common antiviral medications.

In the case of an active infection, your doctor may recommend an antibody test in addition to these other tests. However, they are more likely to recommend this test for another reason, such as if you have recurring symptoms but your active test results are negative.

• You believe you were recently exposed but have yet to experience symptoms.
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or you have HIV or are at high risk of contracting HIV.

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