This test is intended for use as an aid to the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections; it also differentiates HSV-1 from HSV-2. PCR testing of blood, serum or plasma samples is clinically useful ONLY in potential cases of disseminated HSV infection (neonates, immunosuppressed individuals) and not as an aid in the diagnosis of either mucosal or CNS disease.

HSV PCR is a single test that both detects the presence of HSV DNA and determines which type is present in the positive samples. There is no mechanism, therefore, for testing for HSV-1 without simultaneously testing for HSV-2.

• The HSV 1/2 blood assay is not intended for use with cerebrospinal fluid or for prenatal screening.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inversion, 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Yellow ACD (A or B)

Red:

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer serum to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum

Lavender/Yellow:

1. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection,
2. Transfer plasma to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as the appropriate plasma type, or submit whole blood in original collection container

Whole blood:

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL or Yellow ACD (A or B)

Plasma:

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)

Serum or plasma
Ambient (preferred) - 7 days
Refrigerated - 7 days
Frozen - 90 days

Whole blood
Ambient (preferred) - 7 days
Refrigerated - 7 days
Frozen - NO

PCR testing cannot be added on to a sample that has been opened and/or used for other testing. If the sample has already been used for testing, a new specimen will need to be collected.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Negative