Test Overview
Test Methodology

Virus Culture by Shell-Vial

Test Usage

Aid in the diagnosis of congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection through the recovery of HSV using viral culture (shell-vial) for patients younger than 35 days in age.

Reference Range *

No virus isolated.

Test Limitations

A negative result does not rule out the possibility of congenital HSV infection. A negative result by rapid culture should be interpreted in the context of the patient’s clinical presentation and exposure history.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

3 - 5 days

Soft Order Code
MHSVC
MiChart Code
HSV Culture from Neonates
Synonyms
  • Culture, Herpes simplex only
  • Herpes simplex shell vial
  • HSV Culture
  • HSV1D
  • HSV2D
  • HSVCULT
  • SV1HSV
  • Viral Culture, Herpes simplex only
  • CULTURE FOR HERPES SIMPLEX
  • MHSVC
  • Herpes simplex Culture from Neonates
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo VHSV
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Collect eye, rectal, dermal or nasopharyngeal, using dacron or rayon swab with an aluminum or plastic shaft; do not use swab with calcium alginate tip or wooden shaft. Place swab in in M5 transport and refrigerate. This test should not be performed on patients older than 4 weeks of age. It is intended for the recovery of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in suspected cases of congenital herpes.

Normal Volume
1 swab
Minimum Volume
1 swab
Additional Information

Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
87254 x2
NY State Approved
No