Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2 DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

HSVPCR

Quest Code

34257

Alias/See Also

HSV 1,2 DNA PCR

CPT Codes
87529 (x2)

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF, pleural fluid, amniotic fluid, or pericardial fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container or
1 mL serum collected in SST (serum separator tube) or sterile tubes with no anticoagulants or
1 mL whole blood or plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
1 swab collected in a viral transport media, VCM, or M4 or
0.5 mL vitreous fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.25 mL undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid • 0.35 mL bronchoalveolar lavage/wash • 0.3 mL all other samples

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 mL 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 viral transport media, VCM, or M4.
Serum: Collect blood in serum separator tubes. Transfer serum into sterile leak-proof container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Bronchial wash and BAL: Collect in a sterile leak-proof container.
Raw vitreous (eye) fluid specimens: Do not dilute collected specimens with additional saline or other transport media.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

All other specimen types
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

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 FDA. 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

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.