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Test Code HSVC Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid

Useful For

Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 infections of the central nervous system

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reporting Name

Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit from second spinal fluid collection vial.

2. Transfer into aliquot vial using sterile technique.

3. Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.

Additional Information:

1. The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by herpes simplex virus DNA is not likely.

2. Specimens that are received with less than the minimum volume required for all testing requested will be canceled.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87529 x 2

87529 (if appropriate for government payers)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HSVC Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, CSF 92865-5

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
36858 HSV 1 PCR, C 16952-4
36859 HSV 2 PCR, C 16960-7

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.