DNA testing is analytically more sensitive than culture, especially in patients with encephalitis or meningitis. DNA testing may be useful in diagnosis of infection in neonates. Neonates who have been exposed to HSV can develop disseminated infection and encephalitis. Encephalitis is usually due to HSV I whereas meningitis is usually due to HSV II. DNA testing provides reliable means to define the type.
Swab a in M4RT Vial (Red Cap Vial)
or
Swab in VCM Transport Medium
or
CSF in a Sterile Container
48 hours Ambient
7 days Refrigerated (Transport)
30 days Frozen (Whole Blood unacceptable)
CSF or Swab (in transport medium): Collect CSF in a sterile, plastic, leakproof container and store refrigerated or frozen. Collect swab in VCM or M4-Multiuse Viral Transport Medium and store refrigerated or frozen.
Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants; serum separator tubes (SS) are recommended. Allow blood to clot at room temperature and separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum into sterile, plastic, screw-capped, aliquot tubes and store refrigerated or frozen.
0.2 mL CSF
| HSV 1 DNA | Not detected |
| HSV 2 DNA | Not detected |
DNA testing is analytically more sensitive than culture, especially in patients with encephalitis or meningitis. DNA testing may be useful in diagnosis of infection in neonates. Neonates who have been exposed to HSV can develop disseminated infection and encephalitis. Encephalitis is usually due to HSV I whereas meningitis is usually due to HSV II. DNA testing provides reliable means to define the type.
1 to 2 days
00913333
87529 x 2