Test Details: HSV is a contagious condition that causes sores around the mouth or genitals. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is typically transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is mainly sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes. This test helps in determining whether a patient has been previously exposed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. It also helps in distinguishing between infection caused by HSV types 1 and 2, especially in patients with subclinical or unrecognized HSV infection.