Synonym(s):
HSV IgM, HSV IgM Ab, HSV Total Ab
Herpes Simplex IgM Antibody (anti-HSV IgM) Herpes Simplex Virus CF Antibody (anti-HSV total)
3 – 5 mL plain blood. (a) To diagnose acute infection, send acute sample for herpes simplex IgM antibody and a second serum taken 14 days later for herpes simplex CF antibody on the pair. (b) For transplant patients, to determine baseline HSV titres, send single sample for herpes simplex CF antibody.
Refrigerate samples if delay in transporting to laboratory is anticipated. Do not freeze.
Anti-HSV IgM: Immunofluorescence assay Anti-HSV total: Complement Fixation Test
Primary or First Episode Genital Herpes: HSV IgM positive and ≥ 4 fold rise in total antibody titre. CF (total) Ab will be absent or low (<16) in first sample. Reactivation: IgM usually negative. ≥ 4-fold rise in total Ab titre. CF (total) Ab titre will be present in first sample. Previous (latent) Infection: Total Ab present in the absence of IgM Ab and symptoms.
Anti-HSV IgM: Urgent cases : 3 – 4 hrs; Routine cases: <1 – 4 days Anti-HSV total: 1 – 6 days after acute or convalescent serum is received
Anti-HSV IgM : Urgent cases : Stat; Routine cases : Tuesday and Friday
Anti-HSV total : Tuesday and Thursday
Wherever possible, send samples for virus isolation for the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections.
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