A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2) Antibody

Type-specific HSV-2 antibodies, checked from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
2 to 4 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

This test measures IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the type more often linked to genital infections. A positive result shows a past infection, not where it is or when it happened. If the first result falls in a low positive range, the lab runs a follow-up test on the same sample.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

For adults who want to know their HSV-2 status, for themselves or before a partner conversation. Many infections cause no symptoms. If you have sores or other symptoms, also see a provider.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows whether HSV-2 antibodies were found, which can help you and a healthcare provider understand whether you have had an HSV-2 infection at some point.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG
This blood test looks for IgG antibodies to HSV-2, the herpes virus most often linked to genital herpes. A positive result points to an HSV-2 infection at some point, not where or when. When a result falls in a low positive range, the lab runs a second test on the same sample to check it.
Why it’s measured: Points to HSV-2 infection at some point, with a second lab test on low positives.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 2 to 4 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

The lab compares your HSV-2 IgG result with its cutoff. Some low positive results get a follow-up test, and that result is reported too.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

Talk with a healthcare provider about any positive HSV-2 result. They can explain what it means for you and whether more testing helps.

HSV-1 or HSV-2?

Two closely related viruses, tested one type at a time.

HSV-2

Type-specific IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2.

Looks for
IgG antibodies to HSV-2
More often linked to
Genital infections
Extra lab step
Some low positive results get a follow-up test, same sample

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

If the first HSV-⁠2 result falls in a low positive range, the lab runs a follow-⁠up test on the same sample to check it. A healthcare provider reads the final result together with your history and any symptoms, and can explain what it means.

A positive result shows you have had an HSV-⁠2 infection at some point. HSV-⁠2 is more often linked to genital infections, but this blood test does not show where an infection is, when it happened, or whether you will have symptoms. A healthcare provider can explain what it means for you.

Timing matters. Antibodies take time to develop after a new infection, so an early test may not reflect it yet. A healthcare provider can advise when to test and whether to retest. If you have a sore now, see a healthcare provider, since this blood test does not check a sore.

The lab says this test’s performance has not been established for children, for newborn screening, or for people with a weakened immune system. If a condition or medicine weakens your immune system, mention it to a healthcare provider, who can advise whether this test fits.

Expert groups do not recommend routine herpes blood tests for most people without symptoms, partly because some positive results, especially low ones, can be false. That is why the lab runs a second test on some low positive results.

A healthcare provider can help you decide, before you test, whether testing makes sense for you and what a result would mean.

Some positive results are reported to public health authorities as required by state law. Talk with a healthcare provider about any positive result.