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Lab Test Dictionary

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) PCR, Qualitative (Plasma/CSF/Lesion Swab)

Methodology

Real-Time PCR

Synonyms

HSV

Specimen Type

Plasma or CSF or Lesion Swab

Performing Lab

RCHSD MDL (PCR)

Epic ID

LAB917

Lab Test Days

Daily-CSF and UTM (10 AM Cutoff); Monday-Saturday for Plasma (10 AM Cutoff)

Standard TAT

48 Hours

Collection Information

Specimen Required

1 mL Blood (neonates less than 2 month of age and for immunocompromised patients only) or 0.3-0.5 mL CSF or UTM Swab set (Quidel 402C manufactured by Diagnostic Hybrid. Inc)

Container Type

EDTA Lavender Top Tube or Sterile Container or UTM Swab Set (Quidel)

Collection Instructions

Plasma is acceptable for neonates (less than 2 month of age) and for immunocompromised patients only. For UTM/Swab set: 1. Scraping the suspected mucocutaneous and cutaneous lesion swabs lesion with the UTM swab. 2. Aseptically remove cap from tube. Insert swab into the tube with UTM medium. 3. Break swab shaft by bending it against the tube wall. 4. Replace cap to tube and close tightly. 5. Label with appropriate patient information. 6. Remote locations: Store on ice or refrigerate. Transport on cold packs.

Processing Information - Lab Use Only

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated-OK/Frozen-OK

Specimen Stability

Room Temp: 48 Hours; Refrigerated: 7 Days; Froze: 1 Month

Rejection Criteria

Other than required containers; Quest VCM; BD VTM

Test Volume Required

0.5 mL Plasma or CSF or UTM Swab set

Minimum Test Volume

0.3 mL Plasma or CSF or UTM Swab set

Processing Instructions

Plasma is acceptable for neonates (less than 2 month of age) and for immunocompromised patients only. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection and transfer plasma/CSF to an orange screw-cap tube. DO NOT USE SNAP-CAP TUBES. Place plasma or CSF in a small clear bag and place in -80 freezer MDL (PCR) bin as soon as possible. Place UTM swab set in a small clear bag and place in refrigerated MDL (PCR) as soon as possible.

Comments

Plasma is acceptable for neonates (less than 2 month of age) and for immunocompromised patients only. For patients that are over 2 months of age or not immunocompromised for plasma specimens are to be sent to Quest for TC 34257 HSV, Type 1 and 2 DNA, Qualitative, RT-PCR.