Herpes Simplex Virus Culture with Reflex to HSV Typing
Also known as: V HSVCT
Use
The Herpes Simplex Virus Culture test with Reflex to HSV Typing is used to detect herpes simplex virus by viral culture. It differentiates between HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. This test is particularly useful in identifying HSV in various specimen types such as buccal mucosa, eye, genital, rectal, throat or vesicle swabs, neonatal surface swabs, or bronchoalveolar lavage, tissues, or vesicle fluid. However, molecular testing is generally preferred for detecting HSV as it can offer greater sensitivity and specificity. It's important to note that this test cannot identify orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox virus.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be placed in viral transport media for optimal results. Proper collection and timely transport of the specimen are necessary to ensure the accuracy of test results. It is recommended to indicate the specimen source on the submission form. If the culture is positive for HSV, an additional typing test to determine the specific type (HSV-1 or HSV-2) will be conducted automatically, which may incur additional charges.
Limitations
This test method is not suitable for detecting orthopoxviruses, including the monkeypox virus. The test is limited by the viability of the virus; specimens that are not appropriately collected, transported, and stored may lead to false-negative results. It is crucial to follow collection and transport instructions carefully. Blood, CSF, plasma, or serum specimens are not acceptable for this test, and using inappropriate transport systems could result in rejection. The culture method requires viable virus for isolation, hence frozen specimens are unacceptable as freezing can destroy viruses.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5859-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
sterile container
Collection Instructions
Fluid specimens should be transferred to a sterile container or 3 mL viral transport media available from ARUP.
Causes for Rejection
Blood, CSF, plasma, or serum; bacterial or molecular transport systems; calcium alginate, dry, or wood swabs.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |