Are all HSV type specific serology tests based on gG?
No. A number of tests claim to be type specific because they have two parts–an HSV-1 part and an HSV-2 part. This alone is not enough to detect antibody to HSV-2 in those infected with HSV-2 but not in people that are infected with only HSV-1. Some laboratories still use these tests. A list of laboratories that use accurate tests is available in the section on blood tests. Advantages and Disadvantages of Laboratory Tests TEST TYPE SPECIMEN SOURCE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Viral Culture Swab of lesion Highly specific Widely available -Sensitivity a function of specimen quality/ timing -Virus must be kept alive during transport to the lab ELVIS Culture Swab of lesion Highly specific Rapid; 1-2 days -Can be falsely negative -Expensive Antigen Detection Swab of lesion Rapid; less than 1 day; inexpensive Sensitivity lower than culture PCRSwab Very sensitive Not widely available; still expensive Type-Specific Serology (gG-based) Blood draw Some use finger-stick Test can be performed in absen
