REMARKS

Interpretive Data: 

Note that HSV IgM testing was discontinued by Mayo Medical Laboratories effective 12/03/2019; 

Explanation: HSV IgM testing has several limitations, including 1) the inability to accurately differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, 2) prolonged time (10-21 days) between infection and seroconversion, and 3) prolonged positivity (3-6 months or longer) of anti-HSV IgM antibodies following infection. Collectively, these characteristics significantly limit the use of anti-HSV IgM as a marker of acute or recent HSV infection. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend anti-HSV IgM testing. Therefore, to align with the guidance from the CDC and IDSA, MCL will discontinue offering HSV IgM testing.

As alternatives to HSV IgM testing, for diagnosis of acute HSV infection UPHDM recommends molecular testing for clinically-affected areas (e.g., genital or dermal lesions, blood, CSF). For determination of patient exposure history to HSV, UPHDM recommends type-specific HSV IgG testing (Epic LAB4039/Sunquest HSVGM)