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HelpTest ID HSVPB Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
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.
Clinical Reference
1. Binnicker MJ, Espy MJ, Duresko B, Irish C, Mandrekar J. Automated processing, extraction and detection of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: A comparative evaluation of three commercial platforms using clinical specimens. J Clin Virol. 2017;89:30-33
2. Schiffer JT, Corye L. New concepts in understanding genital herpes. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2009;11(6):457-464
3. Espy MJ, Uhl JR, Svien KA, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections in the clinical laboratory by LightCycler PCR. J Clin Microbiol. 2000;38(2):795-799
4. Espy MJ, Ross TK, Teo R, et al. Evaluation of LightCycler PCR for implementation of laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections. J Clin Microbiol. 2000;38(8):3116-3118
5. Sauerbrei A, Eichhorn U, Hottenrott G, Wutzler P. Virological diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. J Clin Virol. 2000;17(1):31-36
6. Mitchell PS, Espy MJ, Smith TF, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of central nervous system infections with herpes simplex virus by PCR performed with cerebrospinal fluid specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 1997;35(11):2873-2877
7. Yi-Wei T, Mitchell PS, Espy MJ, Smith TF, Persing DH. Molecular diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections in the central nervous system. J Clin Microbiol. 1999;37(7):2127-2136
Method Description
Viral nucleic acid is extracted by the MagNA Pure 96 automated instrument (Roche Applied Science) from blood specimens. Primers directed to the DNA polymerase of herpes simplex virus (HSV) produce a 215-base pair amplicon. The LightCycler or LightCycler 480 instrument (Roche Applied Science), amplifies and monitors by fluorescence the development of target nucleic acid sequences after the annealing step during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycling. This is an automated PCR system that can rapidly detect (30-40 minutes) amplicon development through stringent air-controlled temperature cycling and capillary cuvettes or 96 well plate. The detection of amplified products is based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) principle. For FRET product detection, a hybridization probe with a donor fluorophore, fluorescein, on the 3'-end is excited by an external light source and emits light that is absorbed by a second hybridization probe with an acceptor fluorophore, LC-Red 640, at the 5'-end. The acceptor fluorophore then emits a light of a different wavelength that can be measured with a signal that is proportional to the amount of specific PCR product. LightCycler hybridization probes are designed for HSV-type 2 and sequence differences between HSV-type 2- and HSV-type 1 are detected by melting curve analysis. Melting curve analysis is performed following PCR amplification. Sequence differences between the PCR amplification and probe melting curves are accomplished through the use of LightCycler software.(Binnicker MJ, Espy MJ, Duresko B, Irish C, Mandrekar J. Automated processing, extraction and detection of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: A comparative evaluation of three commercial platforms using clinical specimens. J Clin Virol. 2017;89:30-33)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysTest Classification
This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.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.