Herpes Simplex Virus Culture with Reflex to Typing
Also known as: Herpes Simplex Virus Culture, includes Typing
Use
This test is used to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) via viral culture. If culture results are positive for HSV, reflex typing is performed to differentiate between HSV‑1 and HSV‑2. This distinction can guide appropriate clinical management and epidemiologic understanding.
Special Instructions
Specimens include nasal/nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, eye swab, lesion (vesicle) aspirate swab, endocervical swab, urethral swab, vaginal swab, rectal mucosal swab, bronchial wash/lavage, or fresh tissue collected in viral transport medium (VCM, green‑cap) or equivalent. Transport specimens refrigerated at 2‑8 °C or on wet ice; if delayed, freeze at –70 °C and transport on dry ice. Do not freeze at –20 °C. PCR is preferred for CSF specimens.
Limitations
This is a culture‑based method and thus may take several days to yield results. PCR assays are preferred for certain specimen types such as CSF. Viability of virus is critical; improper specimen collection or transport can yield false negatives. Unacceptable specimens include CSF, sputum, stool, dry swabs, formalin‑fixed tissues, calcium alginate or wooden swabs, molecular or bacterial transport systems.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
VCM (green‑cap) tube or equivalent
Collection Instructions
Specimens include nasal/nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, eye swab, lesion (vesicle) aspirate swab, endocervical swab, urethral swab, vaginal swab, rectal mucosal swab (without feces), throat swab, bronchial lavage/wash, or fresh (unfixed) tissue in VCM or equivalent. Transport refrigerated at 2‑8 °C or on wet ice; freeze at –70 °C for delays. PCR preferred for CSF.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate 2‑8 °C or place on wet ice; if delayed, freeze at –70 °C and transport on dry ice. Do not freeze at –20 °C.
Causes for Rejection
CSF; sputum; raw (unpreserved) stool; dry swabs; molecular transport systems; bacterial transport systems; tissue in formalin or other fixatives; calcium alginate swabs; wooden shaft swabs
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 4 Days |
| Frozen | 30 Days |