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HelpTest ID HSVPV Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Ordering Guidance
If herpes simplex virus (HSV) is suspected in blood, order HSVPB / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood.
If HSV is suspected in cerebrospinal fluid, order HSVC / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid.
If varicella-zoster virus is suspected, order VZVPV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial, amniotic, or ocular
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Genital, dermal, ocular, nasal, throat, or oral
Supplies: M4-RT (T605)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Additional Information: Source information must include main anatomical site of collection.
Specimen Type:Respiratory
Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc
Supplies: M4-RT (T605)
Container/Tube: Sterile container containing 1 mL to 2 mL of sterile saline or multimicrobe medium (M4-RT)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue.
Additional Information: Source information should include main anatomical site of collection.
Specimen Type: Urine (<1-month old infant)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Useful For
Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including qualitative detection of HSV DNA in nonblood clinical specimens
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, VariesSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Amniotic or ocular fluid: 0.4 mL; Sterile body fluid (Pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial): 0.5 mL; Respiratory Specimen: 1 mL; Swab, tissue, or urine: See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Calcium alginate-tipped swab Wood swab Transport swab containing gel Formalin-fixed and/or paraffin-embedded tissues Heat-inactivated specimens |
Reject |
Clinical Information
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are members of the Herpesviridae family and produce infections that may range from mild stomatitis to disseminated and fatal disease. Clinical conditions associated with HSV infection include gingivostomatitis, keratitis, encephalitis, vesicular skin eruptions, aseptic meningitis, neonatal herpes, genital tract infections, and disseminated primary infection.
Infections with HSV types 1 and 2 can differ significantly in their clinical manifestations and severity. HSV type 2 primarily causes urogenital infections and is found almost exclusively in adults. HSV type 1 is closely associated with orolabial infection, although genital infection with this virus can be common in certain populations.
The diagnosis of HSV infections is routinely made based on clinical findings and supported by laboratory testing using polymerase chain reaction or viral culture.
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 indicates that HSV DNA was detected but the assay is unable to differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2. If typing is required, it is suggested that a new specimen be collected for testing 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
A negative result does not eliminate the possibility of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
Although the reference range is typically "negative" for this assay, this assay may detect viral nucleic acid shedding in asymptomatic individuals. This may be especially relevant when dermal or genital sites are tested since intermittent shedding without noticeable lesions has been described.(1)
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 Aug;38(8):3116-3118
5. Sauerbrei A, Eichhorn U, Hottenrott G, Wutzler P: Virological diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. J Clin Virol. 2000 Jun;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. Tang YW, 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 genital, dermal, or tissue 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 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 and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It 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 1 of the following:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
-General Request (T239)