Herpes Simplex Virus 1&2

  • Tech Only CPT 87529
  • Tech Pro CPT
  • PowerPath Code HSV
  • Schedule Monday - Friday
  • Turn Around Time 2-3 Days
  • Disease State HSV Infection
  • Methodology Reverse-Transcriptase PCR

Specimen Requirements

Standard sampling and collection protocols:
ThinPrep®: 2.0 mL; (1.0 mL) minimum.

This is a send out test.

Storage and Transportation

Store and ship at ambient temperature up to 21 days.

Cause for Rejection

ThinPrep®: Less than 1.0 mL and/or exceeds 21 days.
Frozen PreservCyt® solution specimens.

Retention

21 Days

Comments

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 and oral lesions are caused by HSV-1 although cross infections are not uncommon. Herpes infections are episodic and can cause significant pain for infected individuals. Infected individuals shed virus whether they are symptomatic or not although infectivity is subject to ongoing study. Significant health risks to newborns infected during birth canal births are a major cause of screening during pregnancy. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. HSV inclusions in epithelial cells (Tzanck Cells) may also be identified during Cytologic evaluation of direct smears on a LBC.