HSV by PCR, Lesion (Genital/Oral)

Herpes simplex virus-1
Herpes simplex virus-2

Vesicles present (clear fluid-filled blister)

1. Wash/wipe the surface of the lesion with sterile saline.
2. Carefully uncap (disrupt) the vesicle with the collection swab (preferred), needle, or scalpel and collect the fluid with the collection swab.
3. With the same collection swab, vigorously rub the base of the vesicle to collect cells at the base of the lesion.
4. Transfer the swab to its MSwab™ transport tube. Leverage the swab shaft against the edge of the tube to break at pre-scored point.
5. Close the cap firmly while ensuring that the upper end of the swab shaft is in the center of the cap.


Vesicles absent (ruptured, weeping vesicle or crusted ulcer) 

If crust absent (ruptured and/or weeping vesicle):
1. Using a dry collection swab or one pre-moistened with two drops of sterile physiological saline, collect cells by vigorously rubbing the base of the lesion.
2. Transfer swab to the MSwab™ transport tube. Leverage the swab shaft against the edge of the tube to break at pre-scored point.
3. Close the cap firmly while ensuring that the upper end of the swab shaft is in the center of the cap.

If there is crust on the lesion (crusted ulcer):
1. Gently remove crust using the collection swab pre-moistened with sterile saline.
2. Collect specimen by vigorously rubbing the base of the lesion.
3. Alternatively, gently abrade the lesion with a sterile scalpel or needle until serous fluid emerges (avoid bleeding) and collect the sample with a pre-moistened collection swab by vigorously rubbing the base of the vesicle.
4. Transfer swab sample to MSwab™ transport tube. Leverage the swab shaft against the edge of the tube to break at pre-scored point.
5. Close the cap firmly while ensuring that the upper end of the swab shaft is in the center of the cap.

HSV-1 -  Not detected
HSV-2 – Not detected