Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR, CSF
Test Mnemonic
HSPCRC
CPT Codes
- 87529 - QTY (2)
LOINC ®
5013-8
Aliases
- Herpes Simplex Virus by Real-Time PCR
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1/2 DNA
- HSV PCR
- HSV Types 1 & 2
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | Sterile container | Refrigerated | If aliquoting is necessary, sterile aliquot tubes must be used. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL | If aliquoting is necessary, sterile aliquot tubes must be used. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | CSF: up to 7 days |
| Frozen | CSF: 1 month |
| Ambient | CSF: Unacceptable |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
Special Info
CSF must be collected in a sterile container.
Clinical Info
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen found in a wide variety of disease. HSV can infect neonates, children and adults. HSV is transmitted primarily by direct contact with infected secretions from symptomatic or an asymptomatic person. Lesions on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals characterize most HSV positive cases. HSV infection can be either primary (>90% of these cases are asymptomatic) or recurrent (secondary). Primary infection with HSV-1 can lead to, among others, gingivostomatitis, eczema herpeticum, keratoconjunctivitis and encephalitis. Primary infection with HSV-2 occurs as, among others, vulvovaginitis, meningitis and generalized herpes in newborns. The primary symptoms of a secondary infection are skin lesions in the nose, mouth and genital regions. Even more severe are the recurrent forms of keratoconjunctivitis and meningitis. Although HSV is responsible for 5-10% of all cases of acute viral encephalitis in the US, it is the most common cause of severe sporadic encephalitis. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause encephalitis in neonates, most cases of HSV encephalitis in older children are the results of HSV-1 infection. The detection of HSV DNA in the CSF of patients with suspected HSV encephalitis allows a rapid and non-invasive confirmation of the diagnosis. A negative test result does not exclude disease. Clinical history, symptoms and findings are necessary since HSV DNA may not be detectable in early acute stages and DNA levels fall over time.