Herpes Simplex I/II IgM
Private HSV I/II IgM blood test in London for £148, measuring one antibody marker with specialist results expected in around 2 days.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Test
The Herpes Simplex I/II IgM test measures IgM antibodies that may react with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 or type 2.
The test contains 1 grouped biomarker: Herpes Simplex I/II IgM.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are closely related viruses that can cause oral, genital or other mucocutaneous infection.
After infection, the immune system produces antibodies against the virus.
IgM antibodies are sometimes described as early antibodies because they can appear during an immune response.
However, HSV IgM testing has important clinical limitations.
HSV IgM assays are generally not reliably type-specific, meaning the result cannot confidently distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2.
IgM may also become detectable during recurrent episodes rather than only during a person's first infection.
For this reason, major clinical guidance does not recommend HSV IgM as the preferred routine method for diagnosing genital herpes.
Where a fresh oral or genital lesion is present, PCR or another nucleic-acid amplification test taken directly from the lesion is generally more clinically informative because it detects viral genetic material.
Where no lesion is available and established infection status needs assessment, an appropriate type-specific IgG antibody test may provide more useful information after enough time has passed for antibodies to develop.
The HSV IgM result should therefore be interpreted cautiously and should not be presented as definitive evidence of a new infection, the date of infection or whether HSV-1 or HSV-2 is responsible.
What Does the Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Test Check?
This test measures an IgM antibody response that may occur in association with Herpes Simplex Virus infection, but the limitations of IgM testing are important when interpreting the result. This test measures 1 grouped biomarker.
Herpes Simplex I/II IgM
Detects IgM antibodies that may react with HSV-1 or HSV-2, but does not reliably distinguish between the two types or prove that infection is newly acquired.
Who May Benefit From the Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Test?
HSV IgM is a specialised supplementary test and should generally be selected only when there is a clear clinical reason and its limitations are understood.
People specifically advised to have HSV IgM measured by a clinician - The result may provide supplementary serological information in selected circumstances.
People undergoing a broader viral-antibody investigation - IgM may occasionally be included within a wider virology assessment.
People with a previous HSV IgM result requiring comparison - Repeat testing may occasionally be requested, although PCR or type-specific IgG is often more informative.
People who understand that IgM does not reliably date infection - A positive result cannot establish that HSV was acquired recently.
People whose clinician wants additional information alongside more appropriate HSV testing - Results are most useful when interpreted with lesion PCR or type-specific IgG rather than alone.
How to Prepare
Do not deliberately stop antiviral treatment simply to influence an antibody result.
If an active blister or ulcer is present, arrange appropriate lesion testing promptly because viral detection is generally more informative than HSV IgM.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Test
Symptoms of HSV are better investigated with PCR from an active lesion where possible because IgM cannot reliably determine the virus type or whether infection is new.
Painful genital blisters or ulcers - A direct PCR swab from a fresh lesion is generally preferable to IgM testing.
Recurrent genital sores - HSV can reactivate periodically, and IgM may sometimes become positive during recurrence.
Painful oral blisters or ulcers - HSV-1 commonly causes oral herpes, although direct lesion testing is more informative during an active episode.
Burning or tingling before lesions develop - Prodromal symptoms can occur during HSV reactivation.
Pain during urination associated with genital lesions - Genital HSV can cause painful urination when lesions involve nearby tissue.
A partner diagnosed with genital herpes - Type-specific IgG testing may be more useful for determining established infection status.
A previous uncertain HSV antibody result - Additional testing may be required to clarify infection status.
Herpes symptoms can resemble Syphilis, other sexually transmitted infections and non-infectious skin conditions.
A new genital ulcer should therefore be assessed appropriately rather than diagnosed from an HSV IgM result alone.
How to Book Your Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Test
The HSV IgM blood test can be booked privately where this specific serological measurement has been requested.
Choose the Herpes Simplex I/II IgM
Select the individual HSV IgM blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum is analysed for HSV-reactive IgM antibodies.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and should be interpreted in light of the recognised limitations of HSV IgM testing.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected laboratory turnaround for Herpes Simplex I/II IgM is approximately 2 days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
HSV IgM is a specialist virology serology assay.
The sample undergoes antibody analysis, laboratory quality-control procedures and result authorisation before release.
Turnaround begins from laboratory receipt rather than necessarily from the time of the blood draw.
An equivocal or technically uncertain result may occasionally require repeat analysis.
If an active lesion is present, waiting for an IgM result should not prevent appropriate PCR testing of the lesion.
Understanding Your Results
A negative result means HSV-reactive IgM was not detected at the laboratory threshold.
This does not exclude HSV infection.
IgM may not be detectable, and established HSV infection is generally better assessed with appropriate IgG serology or PCR depending on the clinical situation.
A positive result indicates HSV-reactive IgM antibodies were detected.
However, it does not reliably show that the infection is recent, and it does not reliably distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2.
IgM can sometimes be detected during recurrent HSV episodes.
Cross-reactivity and false-positive results can also occur.
For these reasons, a positive HSV IgM result should not be used alone to tell someone when they acquired herpes or which HSV type they have.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private access to this specialist HSV serology test while allowing complementary HSV testing to be selected when more clinically informative.
Private HSV serology - Access a laboratory HSV IgM measurement when specifically required.
Clear interpretation of limitations - The test should not be presented as definitive proof of a new HSV infection.
Complementary HSV testing available - PCR and IgG testing can be selected according to symptoms and timing.
Professional venous blood collection - Clinic and suitable mobile collection options are available.
Confidential testing - Results are delivered securely.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples undergo dedicated virology testing.
Current live product - Herpes Simplex I/II IgM remains available through London Blood Tests.
Clear pricing - The test costs £148.
Private Herpes Simplex I/II IgM Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private HSV IgM blood testing in London for people who have specifically been advised to obtain this serological marker.
The test costs £148 and contains 1 grouped biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.
HSV IgM has significant diagnostic limitations and should not replace lesion PCR or appropriate type-specific IgG testing where those methods better answer the clinical question.