Viral Culture, Rapid, Lesion (Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella Zoster Virus)
Also known as: Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster, HSV and VZ Culture, Lesion Culture, Viral Culture, Rapid, Varicella Zoster, Virus Isolation
Use
The Viral Culture, Rapid, Lesion test is used to isolate and identify herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) from vesicular fluid, ulcerated lesions, swabs, and biopsy materials. It is significant for diagnosing infections caused by HSV and VZV, which are responsible for clinical conditions like cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox/shingles.
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (e.g., genital lesion). Indicate a specific test number on the test request form. Do not use transport device beyond the expiration date. If reflex test is performed, additional charges/CPT codes may apply.
Limitations
This culture is specifically for the isolation of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses; other viral agents will not be routinely detected. If a virus other than the one specified for this culture is recovered, an identification will be made, and an additional charge will apply without prior notification. Unlabeled or incorrectly labeled specimens, as well as those transported improperly, will be rejected.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6584-7
- 5858-6
- 10860-5
Result Turnaround Time
5-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Swab in viral transport media, 0.5 g tissue in viral transport medium
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport provided by LabCorp, or other appropriate transport medium; sterile screw-cap container
Collection Instructions
Specimen is best collected within the first three days after appearance of lesion, but no longer than seven days. Do not prepare the collection site with alcohol or iodophors. After collection, remove cap from the transport media tube and insert swab aseptically into transport tube and break swab shaft. Replace cap so that swab will not interfere with closure and allow tube to leak. Label tube with patient identification and transport to the laboratory at 4°C.
Storage Instructions
Specimen should be kept at 4°C (refrigeration) and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additive; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); specimen stored or transported at room temperature; wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label