Test Guide Mobile

Herpes simplex Virus PCR
Short Description : HSV/VZV PCR
Also known as : [HSV/VZV PCR]

Blood
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics

Herpes simplex PCR is performed using the Roche Lightmix Kit HSV-1/2 / VZV assay. The lower limit of detection for HSV-1 / HSV-2 / VZV is approximately 1000 copies/ml.

NOTE:

In general, blood is NOT an appropriate specimen for the majority of clinical problems.

There are two important exceptions:-

Evaluation of a newborn for HSV should include a lesion swab, if available, also blood for HSV PCR.
Investigation of NANBNC acute liver failure, particularly when fever is present. Absence of vesicular rash does not exclude HSV hepatitis

If the patient is NOT a newborn infant, the Clinical Virologist at LabPLUS MUST be

contacted BEFORE requesting HSV or VZV PCR on blood.

If it is agreed with the Clinical Virologist that blood will be used:

Send 0.5mL EDTA whole blood - do NOT separate.

DO NOT USE HEPARIN TUBES

Do not use serum samples

Do not use PPT tubes

CSF
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics

Specimen Collection
0.5 mL Sterile Container CSF (Always Required)

Tissue
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics

Specimen Collection
Fresh tissue from site of suspected infection.

Special Tissue (Always Required)
Turnaround Time:
Tests performed as requested. Result available within 2 days.

Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
NOTE: VZV DNA is now routinely tested on CSF in conjunction with HSV.
VZV PCR

Contact Information
For further information contact the laboratory (contact via Lablink: 22000 or (09) 307-8995 or 0800 522 7587) ,or:
the Virology team virology@adhb.govt.nz

Swab
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics

Specimen Collection
UTM Kit Flocked Swab (Always Required)
HSV swabs will be processed from the following areas/clinical situations.

Please note; sufficient clinical detail must be provided on the request form.

Inpatient areas
Sexual health clinic / Family planning clinic
Dermatology clinic
Antenatal / pregnant patients where there is a risk of congenital transmission
Immunocompromised patients
Neonates
First diagnosis of HSV of a genital lesion

Community swabs that fall outside of the above categories will not routinely be processed.

Please contact Virology for further discussion of such cases.

Turnaround Time: Between 1 day and 2 days

Last updated at 13:17:40 09/06/2020

NOTE:

In general, blood is NOT an appropriate specimen for the majority of clinical problems.

There are two important exceptions:-

Evaluation of a newborn for HSV should include a lesion swab, if available, also blood for HSV PCR.

Investigation of NANBNC acute liver failure, particularly when fever is present. Absence of vesicular rash does not exclude HSV hepatitis

If the patient is NOT a newborn infant, the Clinical Virologist at LabPLUS MUST be

contacted BEFORE requesting HSV or VZV PCR on blood.

NOTE: VZV DNA is now routinely tested on CSF in conjunction with HSV.