ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0065065: Herpes Simplex Virus Culture with Reflex to HSV Typing

Test Mnemonic: V HSVCT
Methodology: Cell Culture/Immunoassay

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: 1-7 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: Throat, buccal mucosa lesion, cervical or genital lesion swab, vesicle swab or fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or tissue. Immediately place vesicle fluid, swab, or tissue in viral transport media. Source of specimen is preferred.

Transport: Swab, fluid, or tissue in viral transport media at 2-8°C.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: Do not freeze.

Unacceptable Conditions: Serum or plasma. Dry swabs, wood swabs, and calcium alginate swabs.

Stability: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Interval:
Culture negative for herpes simplex virus.

Note:
If culture is positive for HSV, then HSV typing test will be added.

Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR (0060041) on CSF specimens is standard of care for diagnosing HSV meningitis/meningoenccephalitis.

CPT Code(s):
87252 Tissue culture and 87253 IP stain; if reflexed, add 87140 x2 Typing HSV 1, HSV 2