Herpes Type 2 Confirmation Test (HSV-2)

Herpes type 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes skin infection, sores, and blisters most commonly in the genital area, and is often referred to as genital herpes. Genital herpes is contracted during oral, vaginal, or anal sex and can be spread through infected bodily fluids from the mouth or the genitals, including semen, saliva, herpes lesions, sores, or blisters.

Who Should Get Tested To Confirm An HSV-2 Infection?

Men and women who have tested positive for the HSV-2 Antibody test should consider confirming their results with an HSV-2 Confirmation screening.

What to Expect From an HSV-2 Confirmation Test

When the body is infected with HSV-2, it produces antibodies to help fight the infection, called immunoglobulin G (IgG). The HSV-2 Confirmation Test is used to confirm or rule out possible infection by screening for these specific antibodies, even when there are no symptoms.

Use our lab locator to find the lab closest to you, and visit at your convenience. An appointment is not necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. You can expect results to arrive to your HealthLabs.com account in one to three business days.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Most people with herpes type 2 do not have symptoms and have no idea they are infected. However, it is still possible to pass genital herpes onto another person even when there are no visible signs of infection.

Herpes type 2 can be passed on to an infant during childbirth, affecting the baby’s skin, eyes, mouth, and even the nervous system. HSV-2 can be deadly for a newborn child. Individuals must know their status to take protective measures during pregnancy and delivery.

Sources:

1. “Herpes (HSV) Test.” Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/
2. “Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1- and Type 2-Specific Antibodies, Serum.” Mayo Clinic Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/84422
3. “Herpes Simplex Virus.” World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
4. “Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV-1 & HSV-2.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/pain-management-herpes
5. “Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/common-symptoms