Test Overview
Test Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Test Usage

Detection of Herpes simplex virus in lesion specimens.

Reference Range *

Negative for HSV1 DNA and HSV2 DNA

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

This assay is to be used only for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with HSV infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture. This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients. Optimal performance of the test requires adequate specimen collection, transport and handling. HSV viability and/or infectivity cannot be inferred from a positive test result since target DNA may persist in the absence of infectious virus. A negative test does not rule out infection. There is a risk of false negative results due to the presence of sequence variants in the targets of the assay.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, twice per day (9 am and 2 pm)
Analytic Time

3 hours

Soft Order Code
PHSV
MiChart Code
HSV DNA by PCR, Qualitative, Swab
Synonyms
  • PHSV
  • HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1,2 DNA
  • HSV 1 DNA Amplification
  • HSV 2 DNA Amplification
  • Herpes simplex virus Type 1 DNA
  • Herpes simplex virus Type 2 DNA
  • Herpes simplex virus, Amplified DNA
  • HSV-1 and HSV-2 PCR
  • VCULT
  • Herpes simplex DNA, Types 1 & 2, Qualitative
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Collect swab specimen of anogenital, skin or oral mucosa lesion using dacron or rayon swab with an aluminum or plastic shaft; do not use swab with calcium alginate tip or wooden shaft. Flocked swab supplied with M4-RT transport may be used. Place swab into M4-RT transport medium (preferred). M4, M5, M6, UVT, and UTM media are also acceptable. Eswab transport is not acceptable. BD ProbeTec Qx transport is not acceptable. Refrigerate.

Normal Volume
1 swab
Minimum Volume
1 swab
Rejection Criteria
Eswab transport is not acceptable. BD ProbeTec transport is not acceptable.
Additional Information
Billing
CPT Code
87529 x2
Fee Code
LA003, LA004
LOINC
HSV-1 16130-7, HSV-2 16131-5