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HelpTest Code LAB1234521 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 infections of the central nervous system
Reporting Name
Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit from second spinal fluid collection vial.
2. Transfer into aliquot vial using sterile technique.
3. Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.
Additional Information:
1. The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by herpes simplex virus DNA is not likely.
2. Specimens that are received with less than the minimum volume required for all testing requested will be canceled.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Heat-treated spinal fluid | Reject |
Reference Values
Negative
Supportive Data
Accuracy:
To assess the accuracy of the Diasorin Simplexa HSV (herpes simplex virus)-1 and -2 Direct assay, clinical spinal fluid (CSF) specimens (n=100) were tested and the results compared to those of the Roche HSV-1/2 analyte specific reagents.(6) Samples showing discordant results were tested by a third method (artus HSV-1/2; Qiagen). The results are summarized below in Tables 1 and 2:
Table 1. Comparison of the Simplexa HSV-1 Direct Assay to the Roche ASR using Clinical CSF Samples (n=100)(a).
|
Simplexa HSV-1 |
|
Roche HSV-1 ASR (b) |
|
|
Positive |
Negative |
||
|
Positive |
11 |
0 |
|
|
Negative |
0 |
85 |
|
|
Total |
11 |
85 |
|
Sensitivity (95% CI): 100% (70-100)
Specificity (95% CI): 100% (94.8-100)
Table 2. Comparison of the Simplexa HSV-2 Direct Assay to the Roche ASR using Clinical CSF Samples (n=100)(a).
|
Simplexa HSV-2 |
|
Roche HSV-2 ASR (b) |
|
|
Positive |
Negative |
||
|
Positive |
37 |
1 |
|
|
Negative |
0 |
58 |
|
|
Total |
37 |
59 |
|
Sensitivity (95% CI): 100% (88.8-100)
Specificity (95% CI): 98.3% (90.2-99.9)
(a) Only 96 samples are summarized. This is because 4 samples were found to be HSV detected-type indeterminate by the Roche ASR. These results are summarized in footnote b.
(b) One sample was HSV detected-type indeterminate by the Roche ASR and positive for HSV-1 by the Diasorin Simplexa assay. In addition, 3 samples were HSV detected-type indeterminate by the Roche ASR but negative by the Simplexa HSV-1 assay. These 3 samples were tested by a third method (artus HSV-1/2; Qiagen) and were negative for HSV-1 and -2. Testing was also repeated by the Roche ASR and the results were negative upon repeat testing.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysSpecimen Retention Time
7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87529 x 2
87529 (if appropriate for government payers)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HSVC | Herpes Simplex Virus, PCR, CSF | 92865-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 36858 | HSV 1 PCR, C | 16952-4 |
| 36859 | HSV 2 PCR, C | 16960-7 |
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.