Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM Test

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) IgM test does culture or molecular detection of the contagious virus to diagnose Herpes infection. The presence of HSV-1 IgM antibody in blood is an indicator of active Herpes Type 1 infection. The virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family. The infection due to HSV is classified into Type 1 and Type 2. In HSV-2, the stomatitis is found in urogenital areas in adults mostly and is a form of sexually transmitted disease. In HSV-1, mild to severe sore or stomatitis is found in areas of mouth and lips. The sores are called fever blisters or cold sores. It is associated with orolabial infection and HSV encephalitis. HSV-1 is also known as oral Herpes.

In case of symptoms like HSV-1 infection, visit the doctor immediately. Physical examination of the sores is done at first. No special preparation is required to test for HSV-1 IgM blood test. You must discuss your health condition, allergies, and on-going medication with the doctor. History of past infections if any should be discussed. Based on your medical history and HSV-1 physical symptoms, the doctor will give instructions and the HSV-1 IgM test may be ordered. It is a normal blood test and requires you to wear sleeveless or short sleeve dress for easy drawing of blood sample.

The presence of HSV IgM antibodies indicates acute infection with either HSV type 1 or 2. Positive HSV Type 1 IgM test result indicates active or recent Herpes infection. At the initial stages of Herpes infection, the HSV IgM is at its peak. Gradually, they subside. The positive result also indicates that a person may have recurrent Herpes infection. Negative HSV Type 1 IgM test result indicates 2 facts. Either the blood sample was collected in the very early stages of Herpes infection, when HSV IgM level was not detectable or the blood sample was collected too late when the HSV IgM level had subsided below detection level.

The blood sample is collected through venipuncture by a qualified phlebotomist. A tourniquet is tied to the upper arm and the vein is located. An alcohol based antiseptic is applied to the needle site. A disposable needle is pushed gently into the vein and the tourniquet is released. The blood sample is stored in a red top tube that is labelled with the patient details. The laboratory testing is done using PCR or viral culture.