Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG)
Private HSV I/II IgG blood testing in London for £163.99, assessing established antibody responses with 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 Antibody Profile (IgG) Test
The Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) is a blood test used to assess established antibody responses to Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and type 2.
The product contains 1 grouped biomarker profile: Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG).
After infection with HSV, the immune system develops IgG antibodies.
These antibodies usually develop during the weeks following acquisition and generally persist long term.
For this reason, IgG testing addresses a very different question from PCR.
PCR detects viral DNA in a particular specimen and is most useful during active viral shedding, especially when a lesion is present.
IgG testing can provide evidence of established previous infection even when no current lesion is available.
Type-specific HSV-2 IgG can be clinically useful in selected situations, such as recurrent genital symptoms with negative lesion testing, a previous clinical diagnosis without laboratory confirmation or when a sexual partner has genital herpes.
HSV-1 IgG is more difficult to interpret by site because a positive antibody result cannot tell whether HSV-1 infection is oral or genital.
Many people acquire HSV-1 orally during childhood and remain asymptomatic.
False-positive serological results can occur, particularly around low-positive ranges with some assays.
Where an unexpected HSV-2 result is obtained and the clinical probability is low, confirmatory assessment may sometimes be appropriate.
IgG does not reliably establish when infection occurred and should not be used to accuse a current or previous partner of transmission.
What Does the Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) Test Check?
The profile assesses an established IgG antibody response associated with previous HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 infection. This test measures 1 grouped biomarker profile.
Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG)
Detects established IgG antibody responses to Herpes Simplex Virus and can support assessment of previous infection when interpreted with symptoms and exposure history.
Who May Benefit From the Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) Test?
IgG serology is most useful in selected clinical situations where established HSV infection status needs clarification and no suitable lesion is available for PCR.
People with recurrent genital symptoms but repeatedly negative lesion tests - Type-specific serology can provide additional information.
People previously given a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes without laboratory confirmation - IgG may help clarify established infection status.
People whose partner has diagnosed genital herpes - Type-specific serology can be useful in selected couples.
People with no current lesion available for PCR - IgG can assess previous antibody exposure rather than active shedding.
People with a previous uncertain HSV blood result - Repeat or confirmatory testing may occasionally be appropriate.
People undergoing an STI assessment where HSV serology has been clinically selected - Testing should be targeted rather than automatically used for population screening.
How to Prepare
Testing very soon after a new exposure may occur before IgG antibodies have developed.
Where recent acquisition is suspected, repeat testing may be needed after an appropriate interval.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) Test
IgG is particularly relevant when symptoms have occurred historically but no active lesion is available to swab.
Recurrent genital blisters or ulcers - Established HSV antibodies may support previous infection when direct lesion testing was not obtained.
A previous genital-herpes diagnosis based only on symptoms - Serology can provide additional laboratory evidence.
Recurrent unexplained genital burning or tingling - HSV is one possible cause among several.
A partner with known genital herpes - Serology may clarify whether established infection is already present.
Previous oral cold sores with uncertain HSV status - HSV-1 IgG may provide evidence of previous exposure but cannot determine the anatomical site.
A previous equivocal HSV antibody result - Repeat testing after an appropriate interval may clarify the result.
A positive HSV-1 IgG result cannot determine whether infection is oral or genital.
General screening of asymptomatic low-risk people is not routinely recommended because false-positive results and uncertain clinical significance can create unnecessary anxiety.
How to Book Your Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) Test
The HSV IgG profile can be booked privately when established antibody status requires assessment.
Choose the Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG)
Select the individual HSV IgG blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where appropriate.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes HSV IgG antibody analysis.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history and previous PCR testing.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected laboratory turnaround for the Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) is approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.
The specimen undergoes specialist virology serology analysis and laboratory quality-control procedures.
The result is authorised before being released.
Turnaround begins when the sample reaches the laboratory rather than necessarily from the time of blood collection.
Where a result is unexpected, equivocal or clinically discordant, additional confirmatory assessment may require longer.
Understanding Your Results
A negative result means HSV IgG antibodies were not detected at the laboratory threshold.
If sufficient time has passed since the last possible exposure, this makes established infection less likely.
A very recent infection may not yet have produced detectable IgG.
A positive IgG result indicates previous immune exposure to HSV.
If reporting distinguishes HSV-1 and HSV-2, the implications differ.
HSV-2 IgG is strongly associated with anogenital infection.
HSV-1 IgG is less anatomically specific and cannot show whether infection is oral or genital.
Neither result can establish the precise date of infection.
Low-positive HSV-2 results can occasionally be false positive depending on the assay and clinical context, so confirmatory assessment may be appropriate in selected cases.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides confidential private HSV IgG serology for selected situations where established infection status needs clarification.
Assesses established HSV antibody status - IgG generally persists after infection.
Useful when no active lesion is available - Provides a blood-based alternative question to lesion PCR.
Can complement PCR testing - Serology and molecular testing assess different aspects of infection.
Relevant after previous unconfirmed symptoms - May add laboratory evidence to historical clinical episodes.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable mobile appointments can be arranged.
Confidential sexual-health testing - Results are handled securely.
Specialist virology analysis - Samples undergo laboratory antibody testing.
Clear pricing - The Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) costs £163.99.
Private Herpes Simplex I/II Antibody Profile (IgG) Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private HSV IgG antibody testing for people who require assessment of established Herpes Simplex Virus exposure.
The test costs £163.99 and contains 1 grouped antibody profile.
Results are expected approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.
The result cannot determine exactly when infection occurred and HSV-1 antibodies cannot distinguish oral from genital infection.