MIDL PCR HSV 1/2 (HSD)
Department: Molecular Infectious Disease
Test Synonym(s): LAB3072, Herpes Simplex Virus DNA 1 and 2, HSV CSF, HSV DNA, HSD
CPT Codes: 87529
Methodology: PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reference Range: Not detected
Tube Type: Blood: Red Top Blood Vacutainer (SST red top Vacutainer also acceptable), CSF: Sterile container, Lesions/Eye Swab: Swab in VTM/UTM (3mL)
Specimen: Blood, Lesions, CSF
Alternate Specimen: Medical Director Approval Needed
Pediatric Requirements: Blood: Red top-2 mL; CSF: 0.5 mL; VTM: 0.5 mL
Volume: Blood: Red top-4 mL; CSF: 1 mL; VTM: 3 mL
Minimum Volume: Blood: Red top-2 mL; CSF: 0.5 mL; VTM: 0.5 mL
Temperature: Blood: Room temperature (15-25°C):up to 24 hours, Serum: refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 6 days; CSF: Room temperature -24hrs, Refrigerated - up to 7 days; VTM/UTM Room temperature (15-25°C): for up to 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C):up to 6 days
Stability: Blood: Room temperature (15-25°C):up to 24 hours, Serum: refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 6 days; CSF: Room temperature -24hrs, Refrigerated - up to 7 days; VTM/UTM Room temperature (15-25°C): for up to 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C):up to 6 days
Reasons for Rejection: Alternative specimen sent without Medical Director approval; improper storage
Days Performed: Monday - Saturday
Times Performed: Once per day Monday-Saturday
TAT: CSF: 8 hours or less; Serum and Lesions: 24-48 hours
Significance: PCR is substantially more sensitive than viral culture and test of choice for the diagnosis of suspected HSV infections of the central nervous system (encephalitis and meningitis). CSF cultures are generally of limited value in the detection of HSV. PCR is also the test of choice for detection of HSV viremia. Though culture isolation serves as a reliable means of demonstrating HSV in oral and genital lesions, PCR displays increased sensitivity at mucocutaneous sites.
Special Instructions: HSV orders on eye fluids (vitreous/aqueous/)or other body fluids will be reordered, then sent out ot a reference lab for testing.
Click here to print the Molecular Diagnostics requisition.
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