HSV BY PCR

Test Code

LAB1763

Quest Code

34257

CPT Codes
87529 (x2) <br><strong>This test is not available for New York patient testing.</strong>

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF, serum, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Whole blood or plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Swab collected in a viral transport media, VCM, M4, or Aptima® Unisex Collection device (white label)

0.5 mL vitreous fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL CSF • 0.30 mL serum, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, vitreous fluid, whole blood, plasma • 1 swab • 0.35 mL bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)/broncial wash

Other Acceptable Specimens

Bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial wash

Instructions

CSF: Collect in a sterile leak-proof container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Swab: Swab a lesion and place swab in viral transport media, VCM, M4, or Aptima® Unisex Collection device (white label)
Serum: Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST). Transfer serum into sterile leak-proof container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Bronchial wash and BAL: Collect in a sterile leak-proof container.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aptima® Unisex Collection device (white label)
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

All other container types
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days (whole blood unacceptable)

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

This test is not available for New York patient testing.

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

2-3 days

Reference Range

HSV 1 DNA	Not detected
HSV 2 DNA	Not detected

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.

Performing Laboratory

med fusion

2501 South State Hwy 121, Suite 1100

Lewisville, TX 75067-8188

Last Updated: August 1, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.