HerpeSelect®' |
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Type-specific testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV) |
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Benefits
| • | Satisfies CDC recommendation to perform type-specific glycoprotein (gG) testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2 |
| • | Differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies in one test |
| • | HerpeSelect is an FDA-approved gG-based laboratory test available that can detect type-specific antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 |
Clinical Summary
| • | Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is extremely common in the United States: about 68% of individuals over age 12 are seropositive for HSV-1, and more than 20% are seropositive for HSV-2. | |
| • | Type-specific diagnosis has important implications for prognosis and patient counseling. | |
| – | Although HSV-1 accounts for an increasing proportion of primary genital herpes, it is far less likely than HSV-2 to cause recurrent genital lesions. | |
| – | HSV-2 seropositivity, on the other hand, suggests a stronger likelihood of recurrent genital outbreaks and viral shedding, even when asymptomatic. | |
| – | Individuals who are seronegative for HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 are at risk for acquiring infection from seropositive partners; seronegative women who become infected with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 during pregnancy are the most likely group of HSV-infected patients to pass on the virus to their neonates. | |
| – | Women who are seropositive for both types early in pregnancy have a lower likelihood of neonatal transmission than do women who have a first-episode outbreak later in pregnancy, but a greater likelihood of transmission than women who remain uninfected throughout pregnancy. | |
| • | Culture is the preferred virologic method for diagnosis, but it can only be performed during an outbreak and has low sensitivity when performed on samples from healing or recurrent lesions. Conversely, serologic assays can detect infection even in the absence of lesions, because HSV IgG antibodies persist for life. Most HSV serology assays, however, are not type-specific. | |
| • | The HerpeSelect IgG assays distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 on the basis of differences in the patient's immune response to HSV glycoprotein G (gG). These assays are highly sensitive (91%-100%) and specific (93%-100%) for HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, even in the absence of symptoms. Because antibodies may take several weeks to reach detectable levels after primary infection, negative results should be confirmed by repeat testing 4 to 6 weeks later in cases of suspected early infection. | |
CPT Codes*
| • | HSV-1 86695 |
| • | HSV-2 86696 |
STD Testing from Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
In addition to HerpeSelect testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, Quest Diagnostics offers a full range of testing for each of the following sexually transmitted diseases:
| • | Bacterial vaginosis |
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| • | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
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| • | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) |
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| • | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) |
| • | Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| • | Mycoplasma |
| • | Syphilis |
| • | Trichomonas |
| • | Ureaplasma |
Online Resources for Healthcare Professionals
| • | Obtain test ordering codes and specimen requirements from our online Test Menu. |
| • | Visit our Interpretive Guide for information relating to test selection, utilization, and interpretation. |
| • | Simplify test ordering and results reporting with our connectivity solutions. |
Online Test Information for Your Patients
Your patients can learn about health conditions and laboratory tests in our online Patient Health Library. The library is founded on evidence-based information, and includes topics such as:
| • | Herpes Tests |
| • | Ask-the-Doctor Checklist |
| • | Work in Partnership with Your Doctor |
| • | Share in Every Medical Decision |
| • | Healthwise Self-Care Checklist |
| • | Making Wise Health Decisions |
Contact a Quest Diagnostics Sales Representative,
learn more about our testing services, and become a client
| • | Contact a physician sales representative |
| • | Contact a hospital sales representative or learn about our complete hospital offerings |
HerpeSelect is a registered trademark of Focus Technologies.
*The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.
