The Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2 IgM test is a qualitative immunoassay for the detection of human antibodies in serum directed against Herpes Simplex Virus. The demonstration of IgM antibodies serves for the diagnosis of acute infections. The IgM antibodies test for herpes simplex virus (HSV) detects HSV infection, with HSV-1 causing oral herpes and HSV-2 genital herpes all together as a combination of both types in 1 result.

The IgM antibodies to HSV are increased almost four times after 2-4 weeks of infection. Healthcare professionals utilize this test to identify the seroconversion of primary infection or reactivation and to understand the trend, transmissibility, and load of HSV in patients with STDs.