Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-IgM Test

The virus exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes simplex virus testing identifies the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore or fluid to diagnose an acute herpes infection or detects herpes antibodies in the blood to determine previous exposure to herpes.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious and periodically cause small fever blisters (vesicles) that break to form open lesions. HSV-1 primarily causes blisters or "cold sores" around the mouth, while HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area; however, either one can affect the oral or genital areas.