What it measures
IgG antibodies to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), a virus of the herpes family. They show a past infection, as the virus stays in the body once caught. HHV-8 is the virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma.
Why people test it
- Measured mainly in specialist care, for example around organ transplants or in people living with HIV.
- Investigating conditions linked to HHV-8, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or Castleman disease.
Typical range
There is no numeric range. The result is reported as positive or negative, and some labs also report an equivocal result. The report shows how that lab reports it.
Finger-prick or vein?
Providers offer this test only from a vein sample, taken at a clinic or by a visiting nurse.