How long does IgG stay positive herpes?

The time required for the development of IgG antibodies following HSV infection varies from 21 to over 42 days with most individuals having detectable IgG 21–28 days after exposure to the infection and probably lasting for life.7–,9 IgM antibodies are usually detectable 9–10 days after exposure and last 7–14 days.

How accurate is IgM herpes test?

Between 30% and 70% of people with recurrent herpes are positive on HSV IgM tests, depending on the test and the study. In other words, an IgM test, without any other data, does not prove that infection a herpes infection is recent. That’s particularly true if it is accompanied by a positive herpes IgG test.

Is testing for herpes accurate?

PCR test: The PCR test can tell if you have genital herpes even if you don’t have symptoms. The PCR test looks for pieces of the virus’s DNA in a sample taken from cells or fluids from a genital sore or the urinary tract. This is a commonly used test to diagnose genital herpes and is very accurate.

How do you read herpes IgG results?

The results of your HSV blood test will generally be reported as positive, negative, or equivocal. A positive result means that IgG was detected, while a negative result means that IgG was not detected. An equivocal test means that the results were unclear.

Has anyone had a false positive herpes test?

The widely available tests for herpes are famously inaccurate and can give false positives up to 50%. In some cases they can fail to detect the virus at all.

What is the most accurate herpes test?

These antibodies are the most abundant in the body, and are found in all bodily fluids. Their primary purpose is to protect against viral and bacterial infections. The IgG test is the most accurate form of herpes testing, and boast a 99% accuracy rating.

What test to detect herpes?

The gold standard for herpes diagnosis is a viral culture test or nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) of a sample of skin, crust, or fluid from the lesion, which is usually obtained with a gentle swab of the area.

What is the reference range of IgG for herpes?

Reference Ranges. Herpes Ab Type 1, IgG: <0.90 Negative 0.90-1.10 Equivocal >1.10 Positive. Herpes Ab Type 2, IgG: <0.90 Negative 0.90-1.10 Equivocal

What does a positive herpes IgM test result mean?

A positive test result means that herpes IgM was detected in the sample. A negative result means that no IgM was detected. An equivocal test result means that the test was unable to determine whether or not there was an antibody present.