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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.


Secondary ID

618308

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

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

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.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

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.