Aptima® Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 Assay

HSV is a Highly Common STI

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both prevalent diseases.1 Most cases of recurrent genital herpes are caused by HSV-2 and the majority of persons infected have not had the condition diagnosed. Most genital herpes infections are passed on by people who don’t know they are infected or who are asymptomatic when transmission occurs.2

1 in 9

Americans have been infected with HSV-23

2%

per year is the increase in HSV-1 as a cause of genital herpes.4

18.6M

Americans are estimated to have genital herpes.1

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NAATs are Guideline-Recommended for Diagnosis of HSV Infection with Symptoms

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ACOG Recommendation5

Definitive diagnosis should be confirmed by a laboratory test to determine if HSV–1 or HSV–2 
is the cause of the infection.

CDC Recommendation2

The CDC does not recommend general population screening due to testing limitations. It does recommend everyone who tests posititive for genital herpes be tested for HIV. If genital lesions are present, clinical diagnosis of genital herpes should be confirmed by type specific virologic testing from the lesion by NAAT or culture.

WHO Recommendation6

NAATs are increasingly preferred for HSV diagnosis due to higher sensitivity, ease of specimen collection and transportation, and faster results.

Empower Your Patients with a Type-Specific Treatment Plan

HSV types carry different risks and require different treatments. Patients with HSV-2 face a 3x higher risk of HIV acquisition.7 Treatment plans should include HIV testing and HIV risk-reduction strategies.2

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The Aptima® HSV 1 & 2 Assay:
Proven Performance in Sensitivity and Specificity8

Specimen Type* Aptima® Herpes Simplex Virus
(HSV) 1 & 2 Assay
HSV-1 HSV-2
Sensitivity Specificity Sensitivity Specificity
Multitest Swab

Multitest Swab

Clinician Collected Anogenital Skin Lesion Sample

 94.7% 99.6% 98.4% 92.8%
*Refer to the package insert for the sensitivity and specificity with other specimen types and collection kits/media.

Specimen Type*

Aptima® Herpes Simplex Virus
(HSV) 1 & 2 Assay

Multitest Swab - Anogenital Skin Lesion
HSV-1 HSV-2
Sensitivity Specificity Sensitivity Specificity
94.7% 99.6% 98.4% 92.8%
*Refer to the package insert for the sensitivity and specificity with other specimen types and collection kits/media.

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References

•Refer to the package insert for the sensitivity and specificity with other specimen types and collection kits/media.

1. Spicknall IH, Flagg EW, Torrone EA. Estimates of the Prevalence and Incidence of Genital Herpes, United States, 2018. Sex Transm Dis. 2021 Apr 1;48(4):260-265. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001375. PMID: 33492103.

2. CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MMWR Editorial and Production Staff (Serials) MMWR Editorial Board.; 2021. Accessed February 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf

3. CDC. Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in Persons Aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016. Last reviewed February 17, 2018. Accessed February 16, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm

4. Ageeb RA, Manale Harfouche, Hiam Chemaitelly, Abu-Raddad LJ. Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the United States: Systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. iScience. 2024;27(9):110652-110652. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110652

5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Guidelines For Women’s Health Care A Resource Manual | PDF | Institutional Review Board | Preventive Healthcare. Scribd. Accessed February 16, 2026. https://www.scribd.com/document/359258258/american-college-of-obstetricians-and-gynecologists-guidelines-for-women-s-health-care-a-resource-manual.

6. WHO. WHO Guidelines for the Treatment of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2016.

7. Freeman EE, et al. Herpes simplex virus 2 infection increases HIV acquisition in men and women: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. AIDS. 2006;20(1);73-83.

8. Aptima Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 & 2. US package insert AW-15636. Hologic, Inc.; 2020.