Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) by PCR, Superficial Site (Nationwide Children's)
Additional Codes
Nationwide Test Directory: HSV by PCR Superficial Site
Icon & Photos
Swab in Universal Viral Transport Media
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen Type | Type of Container | Volume of Specimen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throat swab | Viral Transport Media | Preferred | |
| Genital swab | Viral Transport Media | Preferred | |
| Rectal swab | Viral Transport Media | Preferred | |
| Skin/Lesion scraping | Viral Transport Media | Preferred | |
| Ocular specimen | Viral Transport Media | Preferred | |
| Tracheal aspirate | Sterile container | 1 mL | Preferred |
| BAL | Sterile container | 1 mL | Preferred |
| Respiratory tract specimen | Sterile container | 1 mL | Preferred |
Throat swab, Genital specimen, Rectal swab, Skin/Lesion scraping, Ocular specimen, Tracheal aspirate, BAL, Respiratory tract specimen:
Transport to laboratory as soon as possible
If delay in transport greater than 1 hour, refrigerate
Lesion specimens should contain cells. Break vesicle and scrape lesion to obtain adequate specimen. Swab specimens must be transported in Viral Transport Media.Viral Transport Media vials received without the swab may yield reduced sensitivity.
Specimen Stability
Throat swab, Genital specimen, Rectal swab, Skin/Lesion scraping, Ocular specimen, Tracheal aspirate, BAL, Respiratory tract specimen: Room temperature 1 hour(s)
Throat swab, Genital specimen, Rectal swab, Skin/Lesion scraping, Ocular specimen:, Tracheal aspirate, BAL, Respiratory tract specimen: Refrigerated 4 day(s)
Throat swab, Genital specimen, Rectal swab, Skin/Lesion scraping, Ocular specimen:, Tracheal aspirate, BAL, Respiratory tract specimen: Frozen Indefinite week(s)
Unacceptable Conditions
Swabs transported without the use of Viral Transport Media, Diluted specimen, Thawed and refrozen specimen, Not received at proper temperature, Not received within specified time frame
Laboratory Handling
- Test should only be ordered on hospital-based pediatric patients.
- Nationwide Test Code: HSVTT2
- Send to Nationwide via daily M-F Nationwide Courier. On weekends, call Nationwide at 614-722-5477 and request a STAT courier.
Reference Range
Negative
Turnaround Time
2 days
Methodology
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
CPT Code
87529