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HelpTest ID: 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, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 cause a variety of clinical syndromes. Anatomic sites infected include the skin, lips, oral cavity, eyes, genital tract, and central nervous system. Systemic disease may also occur, in which the virus may be detectable in the bloodstream. The detection of HSV-1 or HSV-2 DNA from blood specimens may help support the diagnosis of disseminated disease associated with this virus.
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 daysTest 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.
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