Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR

Label Mnemonic:	HSVPCRB
Epic code:	LAB7879
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)

Minimum:

2 mL whole blood collected in a lavender (EDTA) top tube.

For pediatric collection, collect FOUR full lavender top Microtainer^® (EDTA) tubes (Absolute Minimum: THREE full Microtainer^® tubes).

Rejection Criteria:

Heparinized specimens

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.

Turn Around Time:

1-3 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Comments:

For diagnosis of neonatal herpes simplex infection. See also LAB2467, HSV Qualitative PCR, for testing of neonatal surface swabs (conjunctivae, mouth, nasopharynx and rectum, and scalp electrode site if present); this test is performed in house Monday through Friday.

For disseminated disease only. Adults can reactivate HSV asymptomatically so test has limited utility without evidence of dissemination (hepatitis, chorioretinitis, etc.). PCR testing of lesions or CSF (LAB2467) is preferred in most adult cases.

Methodology:

Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

CPT Code:

87529

See also:
HSV Qualitative PCR, Vesicle Fluid, Surface Swab