Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. While most HPV infections clear up on their own, some can lead to serious health problems, including certain types of cancer and genital warts.The good news is that there's a safe and effective vaccine to protect against the most harmful types of HPV. This vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls, typically starting around age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9.

HPV Genotype 16 is one of the most common and high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is considered the most aggressive strain in terms of its potential to cause cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers, including anal, throat, and penile cancers.

When tested, a positive result for HPV 16 means that this specific high-risk virus is present in your cervical cells. HPV 16 is responsible for about 50% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. Because of its strong link to cancer, identifying this genotype is important for guiding follow-up care and treatment decisions.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a general indicator of inflammation in the body. The inflammation can be acute and caused by infection or injury. Inflammation can also be chronic, which typically points toward more serious diseases.  High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests are commonly ordered to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. 

HSV testing identifies the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore or fluid to diagnose an active herpes infection or testing detects 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 (non-genital sites).
HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area.

However, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can affect either the oral or genital areas.

A herpes IgM (immunoglobulin M) test is a blood test that can detect early herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Herpes IgM is one of the first types of antibody that appears after infection, so this blood test is the earliest one that can be used to detect herpes.

HSV is a contagious condition that causes sores around the mouth or genitals.

The IgM test does not detect herpes directly. Instead, it looks for IgM, a type of antibody. This is a protein produced by the immune system in response to a herpes infection.

The herpes IgM antibodies can take up to 10 days to develop after a primary infection with the virus.

The marker HSV-2 IgG Inhibition, IA, refers to a specific immunological assay designed to detect IgG antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) in human serum or plasma samples. This assay is based on the principle of antibody inhibition, where specific antibodies in the patient's sample bind to antigens of HSV-2 immobilized on a solid phase, such as a microtiter plate. The presence of these antibodies is then detected through a secondary reaction that involves an enzyme-linked anti-human IgG antibody, leading to a measurable signal, typically a color change, which is indicative of the presence and quantity of HSV-2-specific IgG antibodies. The assay is highly specific due to the use of inhibition steps that minimize cross-reactivity with antibodies against other viruses, including Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1), thus ensuring accurate differentiation between infections caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2.

What is the HSV-2 IgG Screening Index? The HSV-2 IgG Screening Index is a blood test used to detect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is a common viral infection that primarily causes genital herpes. This test helps determine if an individual has been exposed to the virus, even if they have never experienced symptoms.

Understanding Your Results The test results are reported as an index value, which falls into one of the following categories:

• Negative (≤0.90): No detectable HSV-2 IgG antibodies. This suggests no prior exposure to HSV-2.

• Equivocal (0.91–1.09): The result is inconclusive. Retesting in 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to confirm status.

• Positive (≥1.10): HSV-2 IgG antibodies are present, indicating past or current infection.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. 

HSV testing identifies the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore or fluid to diagnose an active herpes infection or testing detects 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 (non-genital sites).
HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area.

However, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can affect either the oral or genital areas.

The marker "HSV 2 IgG, Type Specific Ab" on a herpes testing panel refers specifically to a blood test that checks for the presence of antibodies against the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). This type of virus primarily causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful sores and blisters in the genital area. The "IgG" in the name of the test stands for Immunoglobulin G, which is a type of antibody. When someone is infected with HSV-2, their immune system responds by producing IgG antibodies specifically targeted against the virus. These antibodies usually develop within a few weeks after exposure and can remain in the body for a lifetime, providing a means of identifying past infection. A "Type Specific" test is designed to differentiate between HSV-2 antibodies and those produced in response to other herpesviruses, such as HSV-1, which commonly causes oral herpes. Detecting these antibodies through the test helps in confirming whether a person has been infected with HSV-2, even if they are not currently showing symptoms. This information is crucial for managing and preventing the spread of genital herpes.

What does an Equivocal result indicate?

"Equivocal" levels on a test like the HSV 2 IgG, Type Specific Ab mean that the results are unclear or borderline; they neither confirm nor rule out the presence of the antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) definitively. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the test being taken too soon after exposure, when antibody levels are not yet high enough to be definitively detected, or when there is a low level of antibodies that doesn't clearly meet the threshold for a positive result. In such cases, it's usually recommended to repeat the test after some time has passed, typically a few weeks, to see if the antibody levels have increased, which would indicate a past infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus is a common pathogen of humans. The clinical course of HSV in humans is extremely variable. Primary infection with HSV, either type 1 or 2, is unapparent or subclinical in a majority of cases.

When clinically apparent, HSV infections can range from minimal stomatitis to a fatal generalized infection. Some of the major clinical manifestations of HSV infections are acute gingivostomatitis, recurrent herpes labialis, keratoconjunctivitis, eczema herpeticum, encephalitis, and meningitis.

Generalized infections are normally confined to individuals with immune deficiency, immunosuppressed patients, or newborns.

There are two distinct types of HSV: Types 1 and 2.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are closely related but they can be separated both serologically and biologically.

HSV-1 is associated with lesions above the waist (encephalitis, stomatitis, eye infections, and, in some cases, of generalized infections).

HSV Type 1-Specific Ab, IgG refers to the specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The IgG antibodies are indicative of a past or current infection with HSV-1. This test helps in diagnosing the presence of the virus, particularly in cases of oral herpes or cold sores.

HSV-2 Ab, IgG refers to the antibody test for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) using the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class of antibodies. This test is employed to detect the presence of IgG antibodies specifically related to the HSV-2 virus in the bloodstream. The presence of these antibodies typically indicates a prior exposure to the herpes simplex virus type 2, suggesting a past infection.

Neuronal nuclear (Hu) antibody is present in patients with various neurological symptoms including two paraneoplastic syndromes: sensory neuropathy (PSN) and encephalomyelitis (PEM). The presence of Hu antibody strongly suggests underlying small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Hu antibody is identified by IFA and confirmed by Western Blot. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of a SCLC or other malignant tumor.

The Hu Ab Screen, IFA (Immunofluorescence Assay), Serum test is a pivotal diagnostic tool in neurology and oncology, primarily utilized for the detection of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with cancers like small cell lung cancer. This test identifies Hu antibodies, markers of an autoimmune response where the immune system targets the nervous system, often in response to an underlying malignancy. The application of IFA, known for its sensitivity and specificity, ensures accurate detection of these antibodies. A positive result can be a critical early indicator of cancer, even before it is clinically evident, and aids in diagnosing associated neurological conditions such as encephalomyelitis and sensory neuronopathy.

Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is a mitochondrial chaperonin that plays a role in the transportation and refolding of proteins from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix.

A qualitative HCG blood test checks if there is a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin in your blood. HCG is a hormone produced in the body during pregnancy.

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common virus that primarily infects children, causing a mild illness known as roseola, characterized by high fever and a distinctive rash. The presence of IgM antibodies against HHV-6 in the blood is a significant marker used to diagnose recent or active infection. IgM, which stands for immunoglobulin M, is the first type of antibody the immune system produces in response to an infection. When HHV-6 IgM is detected, it indicates that the body is currently fighting the virus, suggesting either a primary infection or a reactivation of the virus in individuals who were previously infected. Since HHV-6 can lie dormant and reactivate later, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, monitoring IgM levels can be crucial in clinical settings, particularly for patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments or organ transplants. By understanding the role of HHV-6 IgM, healthcare providers can better assess and manage the implications of HHV-6 infections, contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.