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Test Code HSVPV Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies


Ordering Guidance


If herpes simplex virus (HSV) is suspected in blood, order HSVPB / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood.

 

If HSV is suspected in cerebrospinal fluid, order HSVC / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid.

 

If varicella-zoster virus is suspected, order VZVPV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.



Necessary Information


Specimen source is required.



Specimen Required


Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Sources: Pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial, amniotic, or ocular

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.

 

Specimen Type: Swab

Sources: Genital, dermal, ocular, nasal, throat, or oral

Supplies: M4-RT (T605)

Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT)

Additional Information: Source information must include main anatomical site of collection.

 

Specimen Type:Respiratory

Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL

 

Specimen Type: Tissue

Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc

Supplies: M4-RT (T605)

Container/Tube: Sterile container containing 1 mL to 2 mL of sterile saline or multimicrobe medium (M4-RT)

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue.

Additional Information: Source information should include main anatomical site of collection.

 

Specimen Type: Urine (<1-month old infant)

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Useful For

Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including qualitative detection of HSV DNA in nonblood clinical specimens

 

This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, Varies

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

Amniotic or ocular fluid: 0.4 mL; Sterile body fluid (Pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial): 0.5 mL; Respiratory Specimen: 1 mL; Swab, tissue, or urine: See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

Calcium alginate-tipped swab
Wood swab
Transport swab containing gel
Formalin-fixed and/or paraffin-embedded tissues
Heat-inactivated specimens		 Reject

Clinical Information

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are members of the Herpesviridae family and produce infections that may range from mild stomatitis to disseminated and fatal disease. Clinical conditions associated with HSV infection include gingivostomatitis, keratitis, encephalitis, vesicular skin eruptions, aseptic meningitis, neonatal herpes, genital tract infections, and disseminated primary infection.

 

Infections with HSV types 1 and 2 can differ significantly in their clinical manifestations and severity. HSV type 2 primarily causes urogenital infections and is found almost exclusively in adults. HSV type 1 is closely associated with orolabial infection, although genital infection with this virus can be common in certain populations.

 

The diagnosis of HSV infections is routinely made based on clinical findings and supported by laboratory testing using polymerase chain reaction or viral culture.

Reference Values

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)-1

Negative

 

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)-2

Negative

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87529 x 2

87529 (if appropriate for government payers)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:

-Microbiology Test Request (T244)

-General Request (T239)