A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR
Test Code34257
CPT Codes
87529 (x2)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL CSF, pleural fluid, amniotic fluid or pericardial fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container, or
Serum collected in: a serum separator tube SST® or sterile tubes with no anticoagulants, or
Whole blood collected in: an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) tube, or
Plasma collected in: an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) or PPT (white-top) tube, or
1 swab collected in a viral transport media, VCM, M4 or APTIMA® Unisex Collection device (white label), or
0.5 mL vitreous fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Serum collected in: a serum separator tube SST® or sterile tubes with no anticoagulants, or
Whole blood collected in: an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) tube, or
Plasma collected in: an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) or PPT (white-top) tube, or
1 swab collected in a viral transport media, VCM, M4 or APTIMA® Unisex Collection device (white label), or
0.5 mL vitreous fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL all other specimens • 0.35 vitreous fluid • 0.35 mL BAL or bronchial lavage/wash
Other Acceptable Specimens
Bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial wash collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Instructions
CSF: Collect in a sterile leak proof-container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Swab: Swab a lesion and place swab in a viral transport media, VCM, M4 or APTIMA® Unisex Collection device (white label).
Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants; serum separator tubes (SST) are recommended. Transfer serum into sterile leak-proof container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Bronchial wash and BAL: Collect in a sterile leak-proof container.
Swab: Swab a lesion and place swab in a viral transport media, VCM, M4 or APTIMA® Unisex Collection device (white label).
Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants; serum separator tubes (SST) are recommended. 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)
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.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1-2 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
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153