Test Overview
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Detection of Herpes simplex virus in lesion specimens.
Not detected
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
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
3 hours
- 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
- Herpes simplex DNA, Types 1 & 2, Qualitative
Specimen Requirements
For blister, lesion, or vesicle, unroof and scrape the base of the lesion with a Dacron or rayon swab to collect fluid and cells. Place the swab into 1 Viral Transport Media (VTM).
Ideally specimens should be collected within 3-4 days of the onset of symptoms but no greater than 7 days. Specimens collected from lesions in the acute or vesicular stage will yield a higher number of viruses. Avoid contamination with creams, ointments, lotions, alcohol, Betadine solution or blood due to the potential for PCR inhibition. Transport to the laboratory as soon as possible. Calcium alginate swabs are not acceptable.
1 Viral Transport Media (VTM)
1 Viral Transport Media (VTM)
Refrigerate (2-8°C) ≤14 days
Freeze (-15 to -25°C) ≤90 days