Herpes Simplex Western Blot

The detection of HSV1 and HSV2 IgG class antibodies by Western blot in serum or CSF. HSV1 and HSV2 proteins from detergent lysates ("Bernstein's lysate") of HSV infected cells are separated by electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose paper. The strips of paper or "blots" containing separated fixed proteins from either HSV-1 or HSV-2 are incubated with the patient's serum. Antibodies, which bind to the viral proteins, are detected by an enzyme-mediated color change. The pattern of staining on the two blots (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is dictated by the number and identity of the HSV proteins to which the patient's immune system has antibody.

This test is reported as:

• HSV1 - Positive, Negative or Indeterminate
• HSV2 - Positive, Negative or Indeterminate

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For Paired samples, see Herpes Simplex Seroconversion Panel by Western Blot (Paired) [HSWBP] for seroconversion on paired serum samples. For accurate seroconversion determination, the acute and convalescent samples should be drawn at least 12 -16 weeks apart.

For CSF, see HSV SemiQnt Rapid PCR, Swab/CSF [RPDHSV] (Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR). CSF antibody testing will be performed ONLY when paired with a serum sample. Contact the University of Washington Clinical Virology Lab (206 685-8037) for ordering instructions.