Beginning today, April 16, 2013, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV) PCR will be performed in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, replacing the mail-out tests currently referred to ARUP Laboratories. Testing is performed using real time PCR Monday through Friday.

Please use the following Epic codes:
LAB7807: HSV 1&2 Typing and VZV Qualitative PCR
LAB2467: HSV Qualitative PCR
LAB7808: VZV Qualitative PCR

Acceptable Specimen types:

• Cerebrospinal fluid (1 mL minimum)
• Surface swabs in viral transport media (skin surface, vesicle fluid and lesions, buccal mucosal, conjunctiva, throat, cervical and genital lesions)
• Bronchoalveolar lavage

Specimens stored at 4°C will be accepted up to 72 hours after collection. A dedicated specimen tube is required.

Reference range: Negative

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD (ext. 6-2990), Aaron Bossler, MD, PhD (ext. 4-9566).