Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Lesion Swab
Test Mnemonic
HSVVZV
CPT Codes
- 87529 - QTY (2)
- 87798 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
33027-4
Aliases
- HSV
- HSV 1
- HSV 2
- VZV
Includes
- detection of HSV1, HSV2 and VZV
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swab | Swab(s) | Universal Transport Media (UTM) | Ambient | See note | Acceptable specimen types include flocked swabs from active cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions submitted in universal transport medium (UTM) or an equivalent viral transport medium. 1. Obtain a collection kit which includes a sterile flocked swab and a container including universal transport media (UTM). An example is Oracle #1063581, Diagnostic Hybrids #402C. 2. Vigorously swab the base of the unroofed lesion, applying enough pressure to collect vesicular fluid and/or epithelial cells. 3. Place the swab in the tube containing UTM and break off the tip. Close the cap. Use order code HSPCRC for HSV testing on CSF specimens. Use order code PCRHSV for send-out HSV testing on other non-lesional specimen types including plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, BAL, and tissue. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swab | Swab(s) | Viral Transport Media | Ambient | See note | Acceptable specimen types include flocked swabs from active cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions submitted in universal transport medium (UTM) or an equivalent viral transport medium. 1. Obtain a collection kit which includes a sterile flocked swab and a container including universal transport media (UTM). An example is Oracle #1063581, Diagnostic Hybrids #402C. 2. Vigorously swab the base of the unroofed lesion, applying enough pressure to collect vesicular fluid and/or epithelial cells. 3. Place the swab in the tube containing UTM and break off the tip. Close the cap. Use order code HSPCRC for HSV testing on CSF specimens. Use order code PCRHSV for send-out HSV testing on other non-lesional specimen types including plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, BAL, and tissue. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Ambient Stability (up to 30 degrees Centigrade) = 48 hrs |
| Refrigerated | Refrigerated Stability (2 to 8 degrees Centigrade) = 7 days |
| Frozen | Frozen Stability (-20 degrees Centigrade) = 7 days |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
0 - 3 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Probe Amplification |
Reference Range
| Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Negative | |||||
| Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA | |||||
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Negative | |||||
| Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA | |||||
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Negative |
Special Info
Testing will be performed daily, 7 days per week. Results should generally be available within 1-2 days of receipt in Molecular Microbiology.
Clinical Info
This multiplex assay has been designed to aid in diagnosis of viral infections in cutaneous and mucocutaneous active lesions obtained from symptomatic patients. The FDA approved assay will differentiate Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 plus Varicella-Zoster Virus. Negative results do not preclude infection with one of these three viruses and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment or other management decisions. This assay is not intended for use in prenatal screening.