Question 1

What is Neonatal Herpes?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal herpes is a serious viral infection that occurs when herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) passing from an infected mother to the newborn during vaginal delivery. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important test for assessing maternal infection status and transmission risk during pregnancy.

Question 2

What causes neonatal herpes?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. The virus passes from an infected mother to her newborn during vaginal delivery, particularly when the mother has an active genital herpes outbreak or has recently acquired the infection near the time of delivery. Women who contract herpes for the first time late in pregnancy pose the highest risk because they lack protective antibodies to pass to the baby and may have higher viral loads during delivery.

Question 3

What is the best test for neonatal herpes risk?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important test for assessing neonatal herpes risk because it detects maternal antibodies to both HSV-1 and HSV-2, helping identify women who may transmit the virus during delivery. This test determines whether a pregnant woman has been previously infected with HSV, which helps healthcare providers assess transmission risk and plan preventive measures like antiviral therapy or cesarean delivery. For women needing more detailed analysis, the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition provides confirmatory testing to ensure accurate results and appropriate clinical decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for neonatal herpes risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, especially if you have a history of genital herpes or your partner has herpes. Testing is particularly important if you have never been tested before, if you develop any genital sores or unusual symptoms during pregnancy, or if you have had a new sexual partner during pregnancy. Early testing during prenatal care allows your healthcare provider to implement preventive strategies like antiviral medications in late pregnancy or planning a cesarean delivery if needed to protect your baby from infection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of neonatal herpes?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal herpes symptoms typically appear within the first few weeks of life and can range from mild to severe. Babies may develop skin blisters or sores, fever, irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, or seizures. The infection can present in three forms: skin, eye, and mouth disease with localized blisters; central nervous system disease causing brain inflammation and seizures; or disseminated disease affecting multiple organs including the liver, lungs, and brain. Some infected newborns may show no symptoms initially but develop serious complications later, making early maternal testing and prevention critical.

Question 6

Who is at risk for neonatal herpes?

Accepted Answer

Babies born to mothers with genital herpes are at risk for neonatal herpes, with the highest risk occurring when mothers acquire HSV for the first time during late pregnancy. Women who have had herpes before pregnancy have lower transmission risk because they pass protective antibodies to the baby and typically have lower viral levels. Additional risk factors include vaginal delivery when active genital lesions are present, prolonged rupture of membranes before delivery, and use of fetal scalp monitors during labor. Premature babies and those born to mothers without protective antibodies face increased vulnerability to severe infection.

Question 7

What happens if neonatal herpes is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated neonatal herpes can cause devastating and life-threatening complications. The infection can progress from localized skin lesions to involve the central nervous system, causing encephalitis with permanent brain damage, developmental delays, seizures, and blindness. Disseminated herpes can affect multiple organs including the liver, lungs, and adrenal glands, leading to organ failure and sepsis. Even with treatment, neonatal herpes carries a high risk of long-term neurological problems, and without treatment, disseminated or central nervous system disease can be fatal in up to 85% of cases, making prevention through maternal testing absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can neonatal herpes risk be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose neonatal herpes in newborns directly, but maternal blood testing for HSV antibodies is essential for assessing transmission risk before delivery. The Herpes Simplex Virus antibody tests identify whether a pregnant woman has been infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, which helps predict the likelihood of viral transmission during childbirth. If a baby develops neonatal herpes after birth, diagnosis requires different tests such as viral culture from skin lesions, PCR testing of blood or spinal fluid, or direct viral detection. However, preventing infection through maternal screening and risk assessment is far more effective than treating established neonatal disease.

Question 9

How is neonatal herpes treated?

Accepted Answer

Neonatal herpes is treated with intravenous antiviral medications, primarily acyclovir, which must be started as soon as possible after birth if infection is suspected. Treatment typically lasts 14 to 21 days depending on the extent of disease, with longer courses needed for central nervous system or disseminated infections. Even with prompt treatment, babies with brain involvement may require ongoing antiviral suppression therapy for several months to prevent recurrence and reduce long-term complications. Prevention is far more effective than treatment, which is why maternal testing, antiviral prophylaxis during late pregnancy for infected mothers, and cesarean delivery when active lesions are present are the primary strategies for protecting newborns.

Question 10

How can I prevent neonatal herpes?

Accepted Answer

Preventing neonatal herpes starts with knowing your HSV status before or during early pregnancy through blood testing. If you have genital herpes, your healthcare provider may prescribe daily antiviral medication starting at 36 weeks of pregnancy to reduce viral shedding and outbreak risk near delivery. Cesarean delivery is recommended if you have active genital lesions or prodromal symptoms when labor begins. If you do not have herpes but your partner does, avoid sexual contact during late pregnancy, especially if your partner has active lesions. Pregnant women should also avoid receiving oral sex from partners with oral herpes, as HSV-1 can cause genital infection and be transmitted to the baby.

Question 11

What can I do at home to reduce neonatal herpes risk?

Accepted Answer

While neonatal herpes prevention requires medical intervention, you can take important steps at home during pregnancy. If you have a history of herpes, maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, stress management, and good nutrition to help prevent outbreaks. Keep the genital area clean and dry, and avoid known triggers like excessive stress or illness. If you are pregnant and do not have herpes, practice safe sex, use condoms consistently, and avoid sexual contact if your partner has active herpes lesions or symptoms. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your herpes status and any concerns, and never skip prenatal appointments where preventive measures can be discussed and implemented.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Neonatal Herpes Blood Test

What is Neonatal Herpes?

What causes neonatal herpes?

What is the best test for neonatal herpes risk?

When should I get tested for neonatal herpes risk?

References

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