Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
City Price Info
Home Collection
References
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Betina Chandolia
BDS, MDS - Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

HSV 1, IgG & IgM

Also known as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 IgM & IgG Antibody test
HSV 1, IgG & IgM Includes 2 testsView All
12591400 10% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. No special preparation is required.

Understanding HSV 1, IgG & IgM


What is HSV 1, IgG & IgM?

The HSV 1, IgG & IgM test is a blood test done to detect the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, known to cause oral herpes. This test helps determine the stage of the infection, differentiate between recent (acute) and past (chronic) infections, and aid in the timely management of the infection.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (herpes) is a skin infection that may spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes infection, which is characterized by painful blisters or sores around the lips and mouth. 

The HSV 1, IgG & IgM test measures two types of antibodies: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) produced as an immune response against HSV-1. IgM antibodies suggest a recent or acute infection, as they are produced early in the immune response and usually decline after a few months. IgG antibodies indicate past or chronic infection with the virus, as they typically develop after the initial infection and persist for life.

This test is often recommended when an individual exhibits symptoms suggestive of oral herpes, such as painful and recurring blisters (ulcers) on the lips and around the mouth, fever, body aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, etc. It also helps distinguish between recent (acute) and past (chronic) herpes infections. 

No special preparation is  required for this test. Eat and drink as per your normal routine. Inform your doctor about all the medication or supplements that you may be taking as few of them may affect your test results, potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Don’t self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test will help your doctor formulate your overall treatment plan based on your specific health needs.formulate your treatment plan.

What is HSV 1, IgG & IgM used for?

The HSV 1, IgG & IgM test is done: 

  • To confirm the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 infection in individuals with suggestive symptoms.
  • To find out if an individual has recently or previously (in the past) been exposed to herpes infection.
  • For individuals experiencing symptoms of herpes, such as painful, recurring blisters or ulcers around lips and mouth, fever, body aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, etc., or those who have been exposed to the virus and wish to know their infection status.

What does HSV 1, IgG & IgM measure?

Contains 2 tests

The HSV 1, IgG & IgM test is a blood test used to measure two types of antibodies: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1. IgG antibodies indicate a past infection or long-term presence of the virus, while IgM antibodies suggest a recent or acute infection. By identifying these antibodies, this test helps determine if an individual has been exposed to the virus and distinguishes between new and existing infections.

Getting tested helps in the diagnosis and management of herpes infections. Early and precise identification of HSV infections allows timely medical intervention, reducing symptoms and preventing complications. 

 

expand icon

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG test determines the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1 in response to the Herpes infection. The body begins to make IgG antibodies around 18 to 21 days after the exposure of the virus and remains in the body for life. The presence of IgG antibodies generally indicates past exposure and immunity against herpes infection. Getting tested helps manage herpes infection and prevent it from spreading further as the HSV-1 remains dormant in the body after the initial infection and can reactivate at various times, leading to recurrent outbreaks.

Know more about Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

expand icon

Herpes Simplex Virus 1, IgM

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1, IgM test detects the presence of IgM antibodies that are produced as a body's initial response to an HSV-1 infection. They are critical in the initial control of the virus. IgM antibodies may take up to 10 days to develop. Also, these antibodies are usually present in higher concentrations shortly after infection and eventually decrease after some time (7-10 days). Therefore, the presence of HSV-1 IgM antibodies is a strong indication of recent exposure and primary infection.

Early detection allows doctors to detect symptoms quickly and provide necessary medical interventions to individuals suffering from HSV infection, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

 

Know more about Herpes Simplex Virus 1, IgM

Interpreting HSV 1, IgG & IgM results


Interpretations

Positive test result for IgM indicates an active infection or a very recent infection. A positive result for IgG indicates a previous infection.


Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HSV 1, IgG & IgM


Frequently Asked Questions about HSV 1, IgG & IgM

Q. What is the purpose of the HSV 1, IgG & IgM test?

The HSV 1, IgG & IgM test detects antibodies in the blood that indicate a past or recent oral herpes infection. The presence of IgG antibodies suggests a past infection, while the presence of IgM antibodies indicates a recent or active infection.

Q. When should I get tested for the HSV 1, IgG & IgM test?

You should consider getting tested if you have symptoms of oral herpes (such as painful, recurring blisters or ulcers usually around lips and mouth, fever, body aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, etc., suggestive of oral herpes infection.

Q. Can asymptomatic individuals test positive for HSV-1 IgM or IgG?

Yes, asymptomatic individuals can indeed test positive for HSV-1 IgM or IgG antibodies. A positive IgM test indicates a recent infection, even if no symptoms are present, making testing important for high-risk individuals regardless of symptom presence. Similarly, a positive IgG test signifies past exposure to the virus, reflecting previous infection even in the absence of current symptoms. Testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and understanding of HSV status, regardless of whether symptoms are evident.

Q. What is the difference between HSV 1 IgG and IgM?

The HSV-1 IgM test detects recent infections by identifying early antibodies produced shortly after exposure to the virus. In contrast, the HSV-1 IgG test identifies past infections through antibodies that develop later and remain in the body for long-term. Thus, IgM indicates recent infection, while IgG shows past exposure and long-term immunity.

Q. How is herpes managed?

Herpes can be well managed with antiviral medications, especially during outbreaks. It is advised to take only prescribed medicines and not self-medicate.

Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories that use advanced technology and adhere to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.
+ more

HSV 1, IgG & IgM test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 1259
Price inNew DelhiRs. 1259
Price inHyderabadRs. 1259
Price inNoidaRs. 1330
Price inPuneRs. 1250
+ more

Book a HSV 1, IgG & IgM test at home near me

Easy online booking
Search for tests and packages, book a time and select address for seamless at-home lab tests.
Live tracking of phlebotomist
Stay informed with live tracking of our phlebotomist's location for seamless sample collection.
Safe collection
Our phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols to collect samples at home on time.
Sample received at lab
Your sample is bought to our laboratory for testing by our qualified experts.
Quick reports, free follow up
Reports are sent to your email. A free doctor follow up is provided to understand the report better.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.