Herpes Simplex Virus Culture

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB2812
  • Soft Test Code:
  • HRVC
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 841
Alternate Names
  • Herpes Simplex Virus Culture, Rapid Method
Clinical Significance

A clinical diagnosis of HSV infection is based on identifying characteristic multiple vescicles on an erythematous base. HSV culture is useful in verifying HSV is present within the vesicles. Rapid culture allows for the initiation of therapy that may diminish the severity of symptoms and shorten the length of symptoms


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

3 mL Fluid / 1g Tissue in the appropriate VCM (green-cap) tube based on Site/Source


Transport And Storage

Ambient Unacceptable
Refrigerated 4 days
Frozen -20 unacceptable
Frozen -70 30 days

Best recovery is obtained when the specimens are refrigerated at 2-8°C or kept on wet ice following collection and while in transit. If there will be a long delay before processing, specimens in VCM or equivalent should be frozen at -70°C or colder and transported on dry ice. Storage or transport at - 20°C is not acceptable. Raw (unpreserved) samples should only be refrigerated and not frozen.


Collection Instructions

Source Must be listed and only one of these: Nasal/nasopharyngeal swab, endocervical swab, eye swab or lesion (vesicle) aspirate swab, urethral swab, vaginal swab, rectal mucosa swab (without feces) or throat swab collected 
Based on source please utilize correct VCM Kit 

To maintain optimum viability, place swab into VCM (equal volumes of fluid and VCM) or equivalent and transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible. 


Minimum Volume

1 mL Fluid or 1g Tissue


Neonatal Volume

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Not Isolated


Methodology:
  • Centrifuge Enhanced Culture
  • Histochemical Stain
Clinical Significance

A clinical diagnosis of HSV infection is based on identifying characteristic multiple vescicles on an erythematous base. HSV culture is useful in verifying HSV is present within the vesicles. Rapid culture allows for the initiation of therapy that may diminish the severity of symptoms and shorten the length of symptoms


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

3 to 4 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00918054


CPT Coding

87255