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HelpEpic Test Code LAB1842 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Additional Codes
MML:HSVPB
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.
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, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen 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.
Cautions
This test is intended for patients with evidence of disseminated disease due to herpes simplex virus (HSV). For patients with localized (eg, skin, genital) disease, a swab of suspect lesions should be collected and submitted for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis; HSVPV / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.
A negative result does not eliminate the possibility of HSV infection.
Although the reference value is typically "negative" for this assay, viral shedding may be detected in asymptomatic individuals. This assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with HSV infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture.
Supportive Data
Accuracy:
Thirty negative EDTA whole blood specimens were spiked with herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and HSV 2 plasmid control at the limit of detection (10 copies DNA target/microliter). The spiked specimens were run in a blinded fashion along with approximately 30 negative (non-spiked) specimens; 100% of the spiked specimens were positive and 100% of the non-spiked specimens were negative.
Analytical Sensitivity/Limit of Detection:
The lower limit of detection of this assay is 10 DNA target copies per microliter. This was established in anogenital swabs and confirmed in the matrix of EDTA whole blood.
Analytical Specificity:
No polymerase chain reaction signal was obtained from extracts of 30 bacterial, viral, and fungal isolates that could be found as normal flora in sites normally tested for this organism or that could cause similar symptoms.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 weekPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87529 x 2
87529 (if appropriate for government payers)
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.