For detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cutaneous and mucosal lesions and serum.
For CSF specimens, the CSF Pathogen Panel is recommended to detect HSV and other causes of meningitis and encephalitis. However, due to genetic differences between strains, if the CSF Pathogen Panel is negative and HSV is still suspected, HSV PCR may also be ordered.
EPIC code
LAB1342
Collect
BLOOD COLLECTION: PREFERRED: GOLD (SST)
ACCEPTABLE: RED
LESION COLLECTION: PREFERRED: VIRAL TRANSPORT MEDIA
ACCEPTED: ESWAB
Pediatric Collection
Not used for screening asymptomatic patients. To detect HSV as a screen for congenital HSV infection, order Neonatal Herpes PCR.
BLOOD COLLECTION:
SEPARATE SERUM FROM CELLS AFTER SPECIMEN HAS CLOTTED.
LESION COLLECTION:
Genital - urethral, cervical, vaginal swabs Skin lesions - unroof vesicle or lesion, vigorously scrape base of lesion with swab
Storage/Transport Temperature
REFRIGERATED
Stability (from collection to initiation)
UTM/VTM
15 DAYS
ESWAB
15 DAYS
Performed
Sun-Sat
Lab Dept
MICRO
Reference Interval
Not Detected
Reported
Within 24 hours
Methodology
PCR
Last Updated
3/8/2024
Synonyms
LAB1342
HSV PCR
Lab Dept
MICRO
Lab Test Information
Ordering Recommendations
For detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cutaneous and mucosal lesions and serum.
For CSF specimens, the CSF Pathogen Panel is recommended to detect HSV and other causes of meningitis and encephalitis. However, due to genetic differences between strains, if the CSF Pathogen Panel is negative and HSV is still suspected, HSV PCR may also be ordered.
EPIC code
LAB1342
Collect
BLOOD COLLECTION: PREFERRED: GOLD (SST)
ACCEPTABLE: RED
LESION COLLECTION: PREFERRED: VIRAL TRANSPORT MEDIA
ACCEPTED: ESWAB
Pediatric Collection
Not used for screening asymptomatic patients. To detect HSV as a screen for congenital HSV infection, order Neonatal Herpes PCR.
