HSV-1/2 real-time PCR

Intended Use

To qualitatively detect and differentiate Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) DNA from clinical specimens using real-time PCR.

Specimen Required

Whole Blood/Plasma: 2 Tubes / EDTA Blood / 2 mL per tube or 2 ml Plasma. (Min: 1 mL)
Bodily Fluid & Tissue: CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), vesicle fluid, ocular fluid, tissue
Other Specimen: Endocervical specimen in ThinPrep Pap Test media.

Patient Preparation

Sample Collection and Specimen Preparation
- Whole blood/ Plasma: Collect in lavender (EDTA). Collection of blood before dialysis is preferred.
- Other Bodily Fluids: Transfer 1 mL CSF, BAL, ocular fluid or ThinPrep specimen to a sterile container.
- Tissue: Transfer to a sterile container and freeze immediately.
- Vesicle fluid: Transfer to viral transport media.

Unacceptable Conditions Heparinized specimens; Tissues in optimal cutting temperature compound.
Remarks: Proper aseptic technique and sample handling are critical to avoid contamination or degradation.
Stability:
- Tissue: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: 3 months
- All others: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: 3 months

Methodology

This test uses real-time PCR amplification targeting conserved genomic regions of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Sample Received to Report Turnaround Time (TAT)

Twice in a week (Scheduled Test)

Reference Interval

Positive or negative for presence of HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 DNA.

Interpretive Data

Refer to the Report.

Resources