HSV 1,2 PCR (Lesion)

Message

Please see mnemonic HSPCR (Quest 34257) as an alternate test code for collections not sent using an Mswab (blue top).

Test Code

HSVPCR

Alias/See Also

Herpes simplex Type 1 and 2

CPT Codes
87529 (2)

Includes

HSV 1 & HSV 2 DNA by PCR

Preferred Specimen

Sample from Lesions, vesicle fluid ( Typical HSV breakout from any part of body lips, arm hands, face, cheek,genital areas etc. Sample must be collected in blue top M swab

Patient Preparation
None

Instructions

Label the specimen giving a specific descripton and the anatomic source.
Label the specimen with patient first and last name and date of birth.

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Specimen not in MSwab
No swab insert in transport tube
Specimen leaked in transit
CSF, Blood, pleural, paracentesis and virtreous fluid

Methodology

The detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA is based upon the real-time amplification, detection and differentiation of specific HSV-1 and HSV-2 genomic DNA sequences by PCR from total DNA extracted from the specimen. Testing done by Cobas® HSV test, by PCR.

Setup Schedule

Tuesday
Friday

Reference Range

HSV 1 DNA: Not Detected. A negative result does not preclude the presence of HSV-1 because results depend on adequate specimen collection, absence of inhibitors and sufficient DNA to be detected.

HSV 2 DNA: Not detected. A negative result does not preclude the presence of HSV-2 because results depend on adequate specimen collection, absence of inhibitors and sufficient DNA to be 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 testing identifies the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore or fluid to diagnose an acute herpes infection.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious and periodically cause small fever blisters (vesicles) that break to form open lesions. 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 herpes simplex virus can be passed from person to person through skin contact while the sores are open and healing and sometimes when there are no visible sores. HSV-2 is frequently a sexually transmitted disease, but HSV-1 also may be acquired during oral sex and found in the genital area. According to the American Sexual Health Association, about 50% of adults in the U.S. have HSV-1 and about 17% have HSV-2. Because symptoms may be mild, however, 90% of those who have HSV-2 may be unaware that they have been infected.

Performing Laboratory
Meritus Medical Laboratory 11110 Medical Campus Rd Hagerstown, MD 21742

Last Updated: January 10, 2024

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.