Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), NAAT, Lesion Swab
Test Mnemonic
HSVVZV
CPT Codes
- 87529 - QTY (2)
- 87798 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
33027-4
Aliases
- HSVVZV
- SQHSVVZV
Includes
- Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA
- Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mL | Swab(s) | Universal Transport Media (UTM) | Refrigerated | 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. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mL | Swab(s) | Viral Transport Media | Refrigerated |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
0 - 3 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Target amplification nucleic acid probe, qualitative |
Reference Range
| Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Not Detected | |||||
| Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA | |||||
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Not Detected | |||||
| Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA | |||||
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Not detected |
Special Info
Use order code HSPCRC for HSV testing on CSF specimens. Use order code HSVNEO for HSV testing on neonatal surface swabs. Use order code PCRHSV for send-out HSV testing on other non-lesional specimen types including plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, BAL, and tissue.
Clinical Limitation
As with any nucleic acid amplification test, positive results do not rule out coinfection with other organisms, detected organisms may not be the definite cause of disease, and negative results do not rule out infection.
Clinical Reference
Nikolic D, Kohn D, Yen-Lieberman B, Procop GW. Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella-Zoster Virus by Traditional and Multiplex Molecular Methods. Am J Clin Pathol. 2019 Jan 1;151(1):122-126. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqy111. PMID: 30239569.