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Test Code LAB917 HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV) Types 1 and 2, QUALITATIVE PCR, OCULAR FLUID

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

Performing Laboratory

BJH - Microbiology/Virology

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:

  Ocular Fluid

Container/Tube

 

Preferred:

Dependent upon specimen type being submitted, see below:

Collection:

Ocular Fluid

  1. Aseptically collect 0.5 mL (minimum 0.3 mL) of fluid.
  2. Place specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container (do NOT add other fluid /media to container).
  3. Label transport container with the PPID order label or patient's addressograph label with date and time of collection.
  4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

 

Patient Preparation:

None

 

Special Instructions:

SPECIMEN SOURCE IS REQUIRED ON REQUISITION TO BE PROCESSED

Sample Rejection

Dry swabs or swabs sent in bacterial transport medium (eSwab).

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens

Logistics

Test Availability:

Daily

Turnaround time:

2-4 days (specimen ran Mon-Sat and reported same day analyzed at performing lab)

Test set-up:

Monday-Saturday

Referred to:

Viracor Eurofins / Test code: Vitreous fluid: 8514

Reference Values

Reference Range:

Not detected
  Assay range:
     HSV 1: 2176 copies/mL to 1x108 copies /mL
     HSV 2:  748 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL

 

Interpretation: HSV type routinely reported for positive CSF and whole blood specimens. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are potentially spread through sexual contact. Typing results for other specimen types are available upon request by contacting Barnes Jewish Hospital customer services at 314-362-1470, though should not be used as the sole determination of acquisition route.

Critical Values:

Any positive PCR result on Ocular Fluid

Every critical result will be called automatically

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

Methodology

Methodology:

 Extraction of Herpes Simplex viral DNA from specimen followed by amplification and detection using real-time, quantitative PCR. An internal control is added to ensure the extraction was performed correctly and the PCR reaction was not inhibited.

Limitations

Test Classification:

 This test has not been cleared or approved for diagnostic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Additional Information

FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY

Lab Processing instructions:

DO NOT PROCESS. Give specimen to Microbiology/Virology processor.

Transport Temperature:

Frozen

Stability:

Ambient: 48 hours

Refrigerated: 7 days

Frozen: 30 days

NOTE:

The micro/viro processor will give to sendouts to package and order in Viracor Retriever Portal for Viracor pickup.
Friday shipments must be labeled for Saturday delivery. Send Mon-Fri only.

Test Classification and CPT Code

Occurla: 87530x2

LOINC

Source: 31208-2

HSV 1 PCR, Varies: 16130-7

HSV 2 PCR, Varies: 16131-5

Last Reviewed

07/2025