Serologic (blood) tests can identify antibodies that are specific for either herpes virus simplex 1 (HSV-1) or herpes virus simplex 2 (HSV-2). When the herpes virus infects someone, their body’s immune system produces specific antibodies to fight off the infection. If a blood test detects antibodies to herpes, it’s evidence that you have been infected with the virus, even if the virus is in a non-active (dormant) state. The presence of antibodies to herpes also indicates that you are a carrier of the virus and might transmit it to others.
Newer “type-specific” assays test for antibodies to two different proteins that are associated with the herpes virus:
- Glycoprotein gG-1 is associated with HSV-1
- Glycoprotein gG-2 is associated with HSV-2
Although glycoprotein (gG) type-specific tests have been available since 1999, many of the older nontype-specific tests are still on the market. The CDC recommends only type-specific glycoprotein (gG) tests for herpes diagnosis.
Serologic tests are most accurate when performed 12 - 16 weeks after exposure to the virus. Recommended tests include:
- HerpeSelect. This includes two tests: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or Immunoblot. Both are highly accurate in detecting both types of herpes simplex virus. Samples need to be sent to a lab, so results take longer than the in-office Biokit test.
- Biokit HSV-2 (also marketed as SureVue HSV-2). This test detects HSV-2 only. Its major advantages are that it requires only a finger prick and results are provided in less than 10 minutes. It is very accurate, although slightly less so than the other tests. It is also less expensive.
- Western Blot Test. This is the gold standard for researchers with accuracy rates of 99%. It is costly and time consuming, however, and is not as widely available as the other tests.
False-negative (testing negative when herpes infection is actually present) results can occur if tests are done in the early stages of infection. False-positive results (testing positive when herpes infection is not actually present) can also occur, although less often than false-negative. Your doctor may recommend that you have the test repeated.
Doctors recommend serologic herpes tests especially for:
- People who have had recurrent genital symptoms but no positive herpes viral cultures
- People who have visible symptoms of genital herpes
- The partner of individuals diagnosed with genital herpes
- People who have multiple sex partners and who need to be tested for different types of STDs
At this time, doctors do not recommend screening for HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the general population.
Tests for Herpes Encephalitis
Review Date: 11/05/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)

Genital Herpes Prevention Video