8 - 12 hours
Test Updated:
HSV 1 / HSV 2 DNA qPCR
VHSV
Herpes simplex viruses 1 & 2 Quantitative PCR
HSV 1 & 2 DNA by PCR
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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.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
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).