Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Lesion Swab




Test Mnemonic

HSVVZV

CPT Codes

  • 87529 - QTY (2)
  • 87798 - QTY (1)

LOINC ®

33027-4

Aliases

  • HSV
  • HSV 1
  • HSV 2
  • VZV

Includes

  • detection of HSV1, HSV2 and VZV

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories

FDA Category

In Vitro Diagnostic


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
SwabSwab(s)Universal Transport Media (UTM)AmbientSee noteAcceptable specimen types include flocked swabs from active cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions submitted in universal transport medium (UTM) or an equivalent viral transport medium. 1. Obtain a collection kit which includes a sterile flocked swab and a container including universal transport media (UTM). An example is Oracle #1063581, Diagnostic Hybrids #402C. 2. Vigorously swab the base of the unroofed lesion, applying enough pressure to collect vesicular fluid and/or epithelial cells. 3. Place the swab in the tube containing UTM and break off the tip. Close the cap. Use order code HSPCRC for HSV testing on CSF specimens. Use order code PCRHSV for send-out HSV testing on other non-lesional specimen types including plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, BAL, and tissue.

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
SwabSwab(s)Viral Transport MediaAmbientSee noteAcceptable specimen types include flocked swabs from active cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions submitted in universal transport medium (UTM) or an equivalent viral transport medium. 1. Obtain a collection kit which includes a sterile flocked swab and a container including universal transport media (UTM). An example is Oracle #1063581, Diagnostic Hybrids #402C. 2. Vigorously swab the base of the unroofed lesion, applying enough pressure to collect vesicular fluid and/or epithelial cells. 3. Place the swab in the tube containing UTM and break off the tip. Close the cap. Use order code HSPCRC for HSV testing on CSF specimens. Use order code PCRHSV for send-out HSV testing on other non-lesional specimen types including plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, BAL, and tissue.

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
AmbientAmbient Stability (up to 30 degrees Centigrade) = 48 hrs
RefrigeratedRefrigerated Stability (2 to 8 degrees Centigrade) = 7 days
FrozenFrozen Stability (-20 degrees Centigrade) = 7 days

Days Performed

7 days a week

Turnaround Time

0 - 3 days

Methodology

Name Description
Probe Amplification 

Reference Range

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       Negative  
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       Negative 
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       Negative 

Special Info

Testing will be performed daily, 7 days per week. Results should generally be available within 1-2 days of receipt in Molecular Microbiology.

Clinical Info

This multiplex assay has been designed to aid in diagnosis of viral infections in cutaneous and mucocutaneous active lesions obtained from symptomatic patients. The FDA approved assay will differentiate Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 plus Varicella-Zoster Virus. Negative results do not preclude infection with one of these three viruses and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment or other management decisions. This assay is not intended for use in prenatal screening.