Herpes Simplex Virus Culture with Reflex to Typing

Also known as: Herpes Simplex Virus Culture, includes Typing

Clinical Use

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

Not provided.

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.

Test Details

Methodology

Culture-based

Biomarkers

Targets not provided.

Result Turnaround Time

3-4 days

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