About the product
Elecsys HSV-2 IgG is an immunoassay from Roche Diagnostics for the detection of IgG class antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). According to Roche’s method page, the test is for the in vitro qualitative determination of IgG class HSV-2 antibodies in human serum and plasma.
According to the same source, the test is used as an aid in assessing immune status and in diagnosing HSV infection. The product is part of the Roche Diagnostics test kit range supplied by Tilia Medical.
Measured parameter and clinical significance
HSV-2 is the virus type usually associated with anogenital infection. According to the CDC sexually transmitted infection guidelines, type-specific tests for HSV-2 are based on glycoprotein G2 (gG2); type-common tests cannot distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2.
The CDC reports that the sensitivity of gG-based type-specific tests for HSV-2 antibody ranges from 80 to 98 percent and that false-negative results can be more frequent in early infection. When a recently acquired infection is suspected, repeating the test 12 weeks after the possible exposure is recommended. The guidelines note that commercial EIA tests can give false-positive results at low index values; interpretation of the result rests with the physician.
Technical information
- Measured: IgG class antibodies against HSV-2, qualitative
- Method (Roche): electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
- Sample type (Roche): human serum and plasma
- Analyzers (Roche): cobas e 402 and cobas e 801 (E2G 100 kits); cobas e 411, cobas e 601 and cobas e 602 (cobas e 100 kits)
- Pack size (Roche): 100 tests per kit
- Cutoff, sensitivity and specificity data: not stated on the Roche product page; refer to the Method Sheet
Use and compatibility
Roche’s method page states that the test is designed for use on cobas e immunoassay analyzers. The E2G 100 kits for the cobas e 402 and 801 and the cobas e 100 kits for the cobas e 411, 601 and 602 are separate; V2 versions of the kits are also listed.
According to one of the page versions, the performance of the test has not been established for pediatric populations, neonates, immunosuppressed patients or point-of-care settings. Positive and negative predictive values depend on the prevalence of HSV-2 in the population. For product, quotation and technical information requests, use the contact form or write to info@tiliamedical.com.
Frequently asked questions
According to Roche, it detects IgG class antibodies against HSV-2 qualitatively in human serum and plasma.
The Roche page lists the cobas e 402 and 801 and the cobas e 411, 601 and 602. The test is based on the ECLIA method.
According to the CDC, serologic tests can aid diagnosis when no genital lesions are present. Routine HSV-2 serologic screening is not recommended in the general population or in pregnant women.
