Test Details
Methodology
Real-time 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 assay is used for the detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid.
Special Instructions
This test code is intended for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) only.
Limitations
Results from this test must be considered in conjunction with the clinical history, epidemiological data and other laboratory information available to the clinician evaluating the patient.
Negative results do not rule out HSV infections of the CNS and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.
False-negative results may occur if the viruses are present at a level that is below the analytical sensitivity of the assay or if the virus has genomic mutations, insertions, deletions, or rearrangements or if performed very early in the course of illness.
For encephalitis patients with a negative herpes simplex PCR result, consideration should be given to repeating the test 3 - 7 days later for patients demonstrating a compatible syndrome or temporal lobe localization on neuroimaging.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Volume
0.5 mL CSF
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL CSF
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen sample, please submit separate specimens for each test requested.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Improperly labeled or unlabeled specimen; specimen that has grossly leaked in transit; specimen submitted in an improper collection/transport device; non-CSF specimens
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 139800 | HSV 1/2 PCR, CSF | 32141-4 | 139801 | HSV-1 DNA | 16952-4 | |
| 139800 | HSV 1/2 PCR, CSF | 32141-4 | 139802 | HSV-2 DNA | 16960-7 | |
| Order Code | 139800 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1/2 PCR, CSF | |||||
| Order Loinc | 32141-4 | |||||
| Result Code | 139801 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV-1 DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 16952-4 | |||||
| Order Code | 139800 | |||||
| Order Code Name | HSV 1/2 PCR, CSF | |||||
| Order Loinc | 32141-4 | |||||
| Result Code | 139802 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HSV-2 DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 16960-7 |