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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1&2 (IGG),W REFLEX TO HSV 2 INHIBIBITION

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB5203    Geisinger Epic ID:  198511

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

2 mL serum; minimum 1 mL



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow to clot. Centrifuge and aliquot.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

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


Rejection criteria: 

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Plasma



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  86695, 86696
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

HSV I IgG, HSV II IgG antibody detection. If Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG) is >1.09, then HSV2 IgG Inhibition, ELISA will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86696).


Methodology: 
Immunoassay
Synonyms: 

HSV I & II IgG, Type-specific Herpes IgG, Herpes simplex virus types I & II IgG, HSV2 IgG Inhibition Reflex, Quest code 17169


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.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Randin Nelson MD
Review Date:  09/22/2025

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