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Test Code HSVB Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) Quantitative Real-time PCR (Plasma)

Important Note

This test is intended for symptomatic patients with evidence of disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. It should not be used to determine if a patient has been exposed to HSV at some point in the past; rather, it should be ordered when there is a suspicion for active infection.

This test is also appropriate for neonates with suspicion of congenital herpes or infections transmitted during delivery.

Clinical Indications

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are well known etiologic agents of
gingivostomatitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, herpetic whitlow, and
genital infections as well as encephalitis, aseptic meningitis,
atypical pneumonias and a wide variety of other clinical
conditions. Quantitative HSV DNA PCR is the ideal diagnostic tool
for CNS specimens, since HSV will rarely grow from CSF in cell
culture. Quantitative PCR can be used to detect the presence of the
virus as well as track the course of infections and response to
treatment.

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Name: HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1 & 2 QUANTITATIVE
REAL-TIME PCR. PLASMA (aka HSVB)
Sunquest Order Code: HSVB
Epic Px Code: LAB2966

Specimen Collection Type

EDTA plasma (preferred)
ACD yellow plasma is acceptable

Minimum Collection Volume

1.5 mL

Reference Range

HSV 1 is 37 copies/mL to 1×10^8 copies/mL.

HSV 2 is 73 copies/mL to 1×10^8 copies/mL.

Critical Value

N/A

Interpretation

Specificity

The HSV-1 and HSV-2 primers and probes used in this assay are
specific for HSV-1 & 2 only and detect known HSV-1 & 2
strains based on similarity search algorithms. The individual
primers and probes for HSV-1 and HSV-2 are unique and specific,
with no cross reactivity between the HSV-1 and HSV-2 primers.
Additionally, no cross reactivity was detected when tested against
adenoviruses, BKV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6 variant A, HHV-6 variant B,
HHV-7, HHV-8, JCV, parvovirus B19, SV-40, and VZV.

Rejection Criteria

N/A

Specimen Availability for Add-on Testing

This test cannot be added on

Specimen Stability

Ambient (preferred): 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: 7 days

Day(s) Performed

Mon-Sat

Performing Lab - Department

TUKHS-BH-Mail Outs

CPT Code

87530

LOINC Code

N/A

Test Alias

N/A

Additional Information / Notes

Turnaround Time: Same day (within 8 – 12 hours from
receipt of specimen), Monday through Saturday.