Vesicle Fluid, Surface Swab (in UTM; Throat, Buccal Mucosa, Cervical or Genital Lesions), Eye swab samples collected in UTM or CSF

	or		or
Chlamydia/Viral Transport Kit		Swab Kit Straight HSV--VZV/Viral Culture 3.0 mL		CSF collection kit

Collect one of the following specimens:
Vesicle fluid/swab (first three days of rash) in viral transport media
-OR-
0.5 mL CSF in CSF tube from the collection kit

Sputum, tracheal aspirate or skin scrapings.
Vitreous fluid samples - Order mailout test Herpes Simplex Virus PCR, Vitreous (LAB7468).

0800-1630 Monday through Friday.

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Negative

Positive results will be reported as positive for HSV Type 1, HSV Type 2, or both.

The performance characteristics of this test were determined by the University of Iowa Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This test is for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research. The laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) as qualified to perform high complexity clinical laboratory testing.

PCR amplification

Immediately place vesicle fluid, swab in viral transport media. Source of specimen is required.

Immediately place vesicle fluid or swab specimen into vial of transport media and seal tightly.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.

Refrigerate.
Specimen cannot be frozen.

Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

See also:
Herpes Simplex Virus PCR, Amniotic Fluid