Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 DNA, Qualitative

Last Modified: 7/14/2016 10:14:46 AM


Specimen Requirements:

Swab a in M4RT Vial (Red Cap Vial)
or 
Swab in VCM Transport Medium 
or
CSF in a Sterile Container
Collection Instructions: 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.
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL CSF
Transport & Storage: Temperature/Stability: 48 hours Ambient
7 days Refrigerated (Transport)
30 days Frozen (Whole Blood unacceptable)
Rejection Criteria: Specimens collected in heparin-tubes • Frozen blood
Reference Range:
HSV 1 DNA Not detected
HSV 2 DNA Not detected
Methodology: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Clinical Significance:

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.
Custom Panel: No

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Turn Around Time: 2 to 3 days
Days Performed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sites Performed: Quest - Chantilly
PHL Test Code: MSOT
EPIC Test Code:
Send Out Test Code: 14426
Alternate Test Names: Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 by PCR ; Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 DNA, Qualitativ
CPT Coding: 87529 x 2

Go back to the top of the page.