Definition

Anti-HSV-1 IgM examination is a blood test that can detect infection Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) early stage.

HSV-1 is a virus that infects epithelial cells of mucus membranes, especially in the mouth and nose area, and can infect the pubic area. In the early stages, this viral infection can cause excesses to appear on the skin or mucus membranes. When the virus is in the body even though it does not cause symptoms ( latent stadium), the virus will spread to sensory nerves. Latent stage virus infection can be reactivated one day when the patient's immune system is down and causes repeated symptoms.

HSV-1 infection will cause the body to produce two antibodies, namely IgM (Immunoglobulin M) and IgG (Immunoglobulin G). These two antibodies are formed by the body as a response to the presence of the simplex fear virus that enters the body. IgM examination does not detect the herpes virus directly, but detects IgM antibodies produced by the body's immunity.

Types of IgM antibodies tend to increase in the early stages of infection, so IgM checks can be used to find new▁oksigen infections in someone. 

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Indications

The anti-HSV-1 IgM examination is a simple blood test and the results of the examination are usually acceptable in one week. This examination can be carried out to confirm that someone has the herpes virus after recently experiencing symptoms of herpes.

IgM is one of the first types of antibodies to appear after HSV-1 infection, so this examination is the earliest possible examination to detect shot infection. Although IgM antibodies can also be found in repeated cases of infection or persistent infection. Antibody IgM anti HSV-1 can take up to 10 days to detect after the HSV-1 primary infection occurs.

If you think that you have been exposed to the virus but have no symptoms, maybe because someone is in contact with you is known to have diabetes, you have to wait at least 2 weeks before checking. 

Anti-HSV-1 IgM examination is also recommended for pregnant women to find out about their pregnancy and estimate the risk of newborns having an infection.

Contraindication

There is no contradiction or condition that makes a person unable to carry out this examination. If there is a condition in the arm such as an infection or bruises that cause blood extraction to be difficult, the sample will be taken in other parts of the body.

Preparations Before Examination

You don't need special preparation to undergo this examination. However, make sure the doctor knows all the drugs, vitamins and supplements that you are taking. This includes antibiotics or antivirals, drugs that can be purchased freely without a prescription, and other drugs that you consume.

Examination Procedures

Health workers will take samples from the venous blood vessels on your arm using a small needle. Officers will wear special gloves and PPE (Self-Protective Equipment) when taking examination samples.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a special tube. You will feel a little pain when the needle enters or comes out. However, this process usually only lasts less than 5 minutes. The blood samples that have been obtained will be examined using a special device in the laboratory.

Normal And Abnormal Values

Harisl's anti-HSV-1 IgM examination usually states to be positive, negative, or vague (undecided).

• Positive test result means anti HSV-1 IgM detected in blood sample
• Negative test results mean no IgM was found
• The results of the vague test mean that the examination cannot determine whether there are antibodies in the sample or not

Results and Suggestions (Continued Inspection)

The positive antibody IgM test results mean you may be experiencing a new or repeated HSV infection.

IgM anti-HSV-1 levels tend to increase at the beginning of infection and will decline over time. This means that positive anti-HSV-1 IgM results are generally related to new infections. Although there are also patients with repeated herpes infections who are found to have positive anti-HSV-1 IgM results.

Counterfeit positive results can also occur when different viruses cause positive results in this examination. An example is the Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus which is in the family of▁sakitviruses, or parvoviruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. Therefore, the results of the examination will be matched with the complaints you experienced as well as the results of physical and other supporting examinations. Positive examinations will be more accurate if you do have or have symptoms of herpes.

Consult To The Right Doctor

If you have a positive result in the anti-HSV-1 IgM examination, you can consult a general practitioner. Doctors will discuss the results of the examination taking into account your symptoms and risk factors. Psychosymplectic patients can receive antivirals and medicines to relieve their complaints.

In addition, if you have a negative result but the doctor suspects you are infected with herpes based on your condition, the doctor can recommend other examinations or re-examine at the right time.

Want to know information about the results of laboratory examinations, radiology, and others? Check here, yes!