Test Details
Methodology
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections; it also differentiates HSV-1 from HSV-2. PCR testing of blood, serum, or plasma samples is clinically useful only in potential cases of disseminated HSV infection (neonates, immunosuppressed individuals) and not as an aid in the diagnosis of either mucosal or CNS disease.
Special Instructions
HSV PCR is a single test that both detects the presence of HSV DNA and determines which type is present in the positive samples. There is no mechanism, therefore, for testing for HSV-1 without simultaneously testing for HSV-2.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Swab, whole blood, serum, or plasma
Volume
One swab; or 1 mL whole blood, serum, or plasma
Minimum Volume
One swab; or 0.5 mL whole blood, serum, or plasma
Container
Universal transport medium (swab), red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or yellow-top (ACD) tube
Collection Instructions
To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Storage Instructions
Whole blood is stable at room temperature or refrigerated for seven days; do not freeze. Swab samples are stable at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen for seven days. Serum or plasma samples are stable at room temperature or refrigerated for seven days or frozen for 90 days.
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138651 | HSV 1/2 PCR | 87431-3 | 139332 | HSV-1 DNA | 16130-7 | |
| 138651 | HSV 1/2 PCR | 87431-3 | 139333 | HSV-2 DNA | 16131-5 | |
| Order Code | 138651 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1/2 PCR | |||||
| Order Loinc | 87431-3 | |||||
| Result Code | 139332 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV-1 DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 16130-7 | |||||
| Order Code | 138651 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1/2 PCR | |||||
| Order Loinc | 87431-3 | |||||
| Result Code | 139333 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV-2 DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 16131-5 |