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Test Code HSVPB Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood


Ordering Guidance


If herpes simplex virus (HSV) is suspected in sources other than blood, order HSVPV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.

 

If HSV is suspected in cerebrospinal fluid, order HSVC / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.


Useful For

Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of disseminated disease due to herpes simplex virus (HSV)

 

Qualitative detection of HSV DNA

 

This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, B

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.4 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reference Values

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)-1

Negative

 

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)-2

Negative

Interpretation

This is a qualitative assay; results are reported either as negative or positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, HSV type 2, or HSV type indeterminate. Results can also be reported as invalid.

 

An indeterminate result means that HSV DNA was detected but the assay was unable to differentiate between HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. If typing is required, it is recommended that a new specimen be collected and tested by an alternate method.

 

An invalid result points to the inability to determine presence or absence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 DNA in the sample.

 

Detection of HSV DNA in clinical specimens supports the clinical diagnosis of infection due to the virus.

Clinical Reference

1. Binnicker MJ, Espy MJ, Duresko B, Irish C, Mandrekar J. Automated processing, extraction and detection of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: A comparative evaluation of three commercial platforms using clinical specimens. J Clin Virol. 2017;89:30-33

2. Schiffer JT, Corye L. New concepts in understanding genital herpes. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2009;11(6):457-464

3. Espy MJ, Uhl JR, Svien KA, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections in the clinical laboratory by LightCycler PCR. J Clin Microbiol. 2000;38(2):795-799

4. Espy MJ, Ross TK, Teo R, et al. Evaluation of LightCycler PCR for implementation of laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections. J Clin Microbiol. 2000;38(8):3116-3118

5. Sauerbrei A, Eichhorn U, Hottenrott G, Wutzler P. Virological diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. J Clin Virol. 2000;17(1):31-36

6. Mitchell PS, Espy MJ, Smith TF, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of central nervous system infections with herpes simplex virus by PCR performed with cerebrospinal fluid specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 1997;35(11):2873-2877

7. Yi-Wei T, Mitchell PS, Espy MJ, Smith TF, Persing DH. Molecular diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections in the central nervous system. J Clin Microbiol. 1999;37(7):2127-2136

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87529 x 2

87529 (if appropriate for government payers)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HSVPB Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, B 93440-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
618330 HSV 1 PCR, B 93439-8
618331 HSV 2 PCR, B 93438-0

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.