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Test Code HS12VZ Herpes simplex virus I/II and Varicella zoster virus by PCR

Important Note

This test is for cutaneous or mucocutaneous Lesions or Vesicle samples ONLY.

If specimen is a body fluid or non-lesion sample see test LHSV
For Spinal Fluid testing see test MEPCR.
For Neonatal Screening, see test VHSV.

Infectious

Additional Codes

Epic Test ID

LAB3472

Performing Laboratory

Bronson Laboratory Services-Microbiology/Virology

Reference Values

Normal:  Negative for HSV. Negative for VZV

Abnormal:  Positive for HSV

Abnormal:  Positive for VZV

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Specimen Transport Temperature

Viral Transport Media VTM or Universal Transoport Media UTM:  2°C to 8°C up to 5 days

Ambient NO

 

Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

Specimen Type: Vesicle/Lesion

Container/Tube: Flocked swab in viral transport medium or Universal Transport Media(VTM/UTM)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Rupture early stage vesicles with a sterile scalpel
blade.

2. Gently swab vesicle to collect fluid.

3. Agitate swab in transport medium, and break or cut off
excess shaft.

4. Tightly recap vial.

5. Label vial with patient’s full name, date of
birth, date and time of collection, and source of
specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Throat swab

Container/Tube: Sterile, flocked swab in
viral transport medium or Universal Transport Media (VTM/UTM)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. For detailed collection instructions, see Throat Swab
Collection Procedure in Special Instructions.

2. Place swab in transport medium to ensure specimen
preservation.
3. Label vial with patient’s full name, date of birth,
date and time of collection, and source of specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Vaginal or cervical swab

Container/Tube: Flocked swab in 
viral transport medium or Universal Transport Media (VTM/UTM)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not use lubricant on speculum.
2. Insert swab into vagina or swab endocervix.

3. Cervical mucus should be removed first before inserting
flocked swab into cervical canal.

4. Move swab from side to side. Avoid touching swab to
uninfected surface.
5. Place swab in viral transport medium to ensure
specimen preservation.
6. Label vial with patient’s full name, date of birth, date
and time of collection, and source of specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Urethral swab

Container/Tube: Dacron swab in
viral transport medium (VTM/UTM)

Specimen Volume: Swab

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect discharge specimen ≥1 hour after
urination.

2. Insert swab 2 to 4 cm into urethra.
3. Rotate swab so that it comes into contact with all urethral
surfaces. Leave swab inserted 2 to 3 seconds before removing.
4. Place swab in transport to ensure
specimen preservation.
5. Label vial with patient’s full name, date of birth, date
and time of collection, and source of specimen.

Methodology

Molecular

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