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HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1/2 by PCR (CSF, BRONCH, BAL, SWABS)
MessageThe herpes culture has been replaced with Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2 by PCR
Test Code
HSVP
CPT Codes
87529; 87529
Includes
Detection and Typing of HSV 1/2
Preferred Specimen
Swabs in BD UTM (Universal Transport Media)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
CSF or Bronchial Wash in sterile container only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
- 15-30C up to 48 hours
- 2-8C up to 7 days
- -20C up to 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unacceptable media: Abbott Multi-collect, Abbott Universal collect, eSwab, PrimeStore-MTM, Ruhof, MANTACC, ARUP UTM, media with guanidine-containing materials or ‘molecular media’ that indicates inactivation of pathogens and preservation of RNA/DNA.
Methodology
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, R, F, Sa (swabs and CSF sources will be performed)
(Sunday - CSF only; no swab will be performed)
(Sunday - CSF only; no swab will be performed)
Report Available
- Samples set up by 07:00 will be reported by noon.
- Samples set up by 19:00 will be reported by 23:30
Reference Range
Not Detected
Clinical Significance
Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes simplex virus PCR assays are recommended on specimens obtained from genital ulcers, mucocutaneous sites and CSF.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious. HSV-1 primarily causes blisters or cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area; however, either one can affect the oral or genital areas.
The lesions usually appear within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and heal within two to four weeks. However, not everyone develops blisters, and sometimes symptoms are so mild that they are unnoticeable or mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or a rash.
Once someone is infected and the initial infection resolves, the person will harbor the HSV in a latent form. During periods of stress or illness, the virus may reactivate.
While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious. HSV-1 primarily causes blisters or cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area; however, either one can affect the oral or genital areas.
The lesions usually appear within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and heal within two to four weeks. However, not everyone develops blisters, and sometimes symptoms are so mild that they are unnoticeable or mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or a rash.
Once someone is infected and the initial infection resolves, the person will harbor the HSV in a latent form. During periods of stress or illness, the virus may reactivate.
While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and active shedding of virus.
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMB8 (Molecular Biology, 3M Integrated Cycle)
Last Updated: June 13, 2023
