Neonates, who have been exposed to HSV, can develop disseminated infection and encephalitis; molecular amplification testing is useful in the diagnosis of HSV infection. Skin/mucosa, blood, and CSF molecular tests have been validated and are available at Northwell Health Laboratories.
Specimen Type
Blood, Body Fluid
Container
Sterile
Collection Instructions
Submit one of the following
Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL(0.3mL min) pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid in sterile leak proof container and refrigerated Vitreous Fluid 0.5 mL (0.35 min) Swab or 0.5 mL vitreous fluids collected in a viral transport media, VCM or M4 1mL (0.35mL min) Bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial wash collected in a sterile leak proof container.
Stability , Serum, Swab- 7 days Refrigerated (frozen- 30 days)
Collection Instructions Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants; serum separator tubes (SST®) are recommended. Transfer serum into sterile plastic leak-proof container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Transport Instructions
Specimen Stability
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Days Performed
TAT: 7 - 8 days Skin/mucosa, blood, and CSF molecular tests have been validated and are available at Northwell Health Laboratories. 1) For skin and mucosal swab specimens, order HSV 1/2 VZV Lesion PCR (HSV12 VZV PCR). 2) For whole blood specimens, order Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2 by PCR, Blood (HSV 12 BLD). 3) For CSF specimens, order CSF PCR Panel OR. Herpes Simplex Virus DNA, PCR FLUID is performed at an reference laboratory and is only intended for the testing of special case specimens such as amniotic fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, vitreous fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, and serum (if whole blood is not available).
