Newcastle Laboratories

Herpes Simplex Virus PCR

Clinical Background:

This test is used for diagnosis of oral or genital herpes simplex (HSV) virus infection and as part of the standard viral screen in CSF samples from suspected HSV encephalitis and meningitis. It is...

This test is used for diagnosis of oral or genital herpes simplex (HSV) virus infection and as part of the standard viral screen in CSF samples from suspected HSV encephalitis and meningitis. It is important to note that it may be negative in the first 2-3 days of encephalitis and consideration should be given to continuing treatment and repeating lumber puncture. The assay is seldom useful in blood samples, except in neonates with suspected neonatal HSV infection. The test differentaitaes HSV type 1 and type 2 and is also used on vesicular lesion swabs from any site.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, blood in EDTA (from neonates only)

    CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, blood in EDTA (from neonates only)

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, blood in EDTA (from neonates only)

    CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, blood in EDTA (from neonates only)

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    200µl CSF, 1 ml blood in EDTA, 1 swab from site

    200µl CSF, 1 ml blood in EDTA, 1 swab from site

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    200µl CSF, 1 ml blood in EDTA, 1 swab from site

    200µl CSF, 1 ml blood in EDTA, 1 swab from site

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 5 days

    Possible up to 5 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    External Quality Assurance Scheme

    External Quality Assurance Scheme

  • Reference Ranges:

    None available

    None available

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily during core hours

Turn Around:

3 days

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