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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1/2 PCR, multiple sources

Collection Requirements

Source: CSF
Container: Sterile cup or vial
Volume: 0.5 mL
 

Source: cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesions
Container: FLOQ swab placed in Universal Transport Medium
 

Source: neonate multiple sites
Container:

  • Use 4 separate FLOQ swabs
  • Collect one from each: anus, mouth, conjunctivae, and nasopharynx
  • Place all 4 swabs in a single Universal Transport Medium

 

Source: conjunctiva
Container: FLOQ swab in Universal Transport Medium; Gently swab the inner eyelid and any drainage from the eye

Turn Around Time

24 hours

Availability

Routine

Lab Processing Instructions

All container types: refrigerate
Specimens must be received in Microbiology within 24-hours of collection

Performing Laboratory

Adele Hall

Adele Hall Lab Section

Microbiology

Instrumentation/Methodology

Qualitative PCR
Positive results will provide Type 1 or Type 2

Additional Information

Red Book 2018 recommendations: For diagnosis of neonatal HSV infection, all of the following specimens should be obtained for each patient: (1) swab specimens from the mouth, nasopharynx, conjunctivae, and anus (“surface specimens”) for HSV culture (if available) or PCR assay; (2) specimens of skin vesicles for HSV culture (if available) or PCR assay; (3) CSF sample for HSV PCR assay; (4) whole blood sample for HSV PCR assay; and (5) whole blood sample for measuring alanine transaminase (ALT)

Reference Ranges

Not detected

CPT

87529