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Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Test ID: HSV2 CPT Code: 87529
Expected Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.
Clinical Information
Qualitiative real-time PCR assay for the detection of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, characterized by painful sores and a risk for transmission during sexual contact. Clinically, HSV-2 is important due to its association with recurrent genital outbreaks, increased risk of HIV transmission, and complications during pregnancy, such as neonatal herpes.
Requisition Forms
Women's Health Requisition

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Requirements
  • Whole blood: 2.0 mL minimum, EDTA preferred
  • Fresh or frozen tissue: 5 mm^3 
  • Swab from lesion: viral transport media
  • CSF: 2.0 mL (min. 1.0 mL), sterile container, DO NOT DILUTE
  • Cervical cells: 2.0 mL (min. 1.0 mL), ThinPrep® PAP solution or SurePath™ Test Pack solution
  • Amniotic fluid: 1.0 mL minimum, sterile container, unspun
Specimen Stability
  • Cervical cells: 18-25°C, ambient
  • Whole blood: 2-8°C, stable 96 hours
  • Fresh tissue: 2-8°C, stable 96 hours
  • Frozen tissue: -28°C to -15°C, freeze immediately
  • Swab from lesion site: 2-8°C, stable 96 hours
Shipping Recommendations
  • Whole Blood: REFRIGERATED, Protect from extreme temperature with ice pack. Separate ice pack from specimen.
  • Fresh Tissue: REFRIGERATED, Protect from extreme temperature with ice pack. Separate ice pack from specimen.
  • Frozen Tissue: FROZEN, Ship samples on dry ice. Separate dry ice from specimens.
  • Swab (lesion site): REFRIGERATED, Protect from extreme temperature with ice pack. Separate ice pack from specimen.
  • CSF: REFRIGERATED, Protect from extreme temperature with ice pack. Separate ice pack from specimen.
  • Cervical Cells: AMBIENT
Specimen Rejection Criteria

Improper anticoagulant; Improper shipping media; Recommended temperatures exceeded; specimens beyond stability

Test Details

Synonyms

HSV-2

Keywords
Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Women's Health, STI
Test Method
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Methodology Category
Molecular
Regulatory Status
RUO
Special Considerations
  • Fresh tissue: submit in transport medium such as RPMI, Hanks, or equivalent.
  • Frozen tissue: freeze within 4 hours of collection
Associations

Detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has proven to be the most specific, rapid and sensitive means to diagnose anogenital and central nervous system infections.