Test Overview
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are well known etiologic agents of gingivostomatitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpetic whitlow, and genital infections as well as encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, atypical pneumonias and a wide variety of other clinical conditions. Quantitative HSV DNA PCR is the ideal diagnostic tool for CNS specimens, since HSV will rarely grow from CSF in cell culture. Quantitative PCR can be used to detect the presence of the virus as well as track the course of infections and response to treatment.
Test Details
8 - 12 hours
Specimen Requirements
Blood: Collect specimen in a lavender top (EDTA) tube. Send intact specimen at room temperature (4 - 5 mL). CSF: Send specimen frozen in a sterile tube (2 mL). The following specimen types are also acceptable: Bronchial Lavage (BAL) (2 mL in sterile tube, freeze) and Tissue (moistened with saline, in sterile cup, freeze).
Additional Information
Test sent to Viracor Eurofins.