HSVC – “Herpes Culture”

Update to specimen requirements, stability, and rejection criteria.

Specimen Preparation: Swab specimens in viral transport medium. 3.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum). Biopsy/tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (Snap frozen -20°C). 

Rejection Criteria: The following specimen types will not be tested: CSF or body fluids; CNS tissue; Urine; Stool; Whole blood, plasma, or serum; Specimens in proprietary PCR transport media; Specimens in bacterial transport media, Stewart medium (Culturette), gel, or charcoal transports; Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media; Dry swabs, wooden swabs, calcium alginate swabs; Tissues received in transport media that has not been frozen (-20°C); Frozen specimens (except tissues); Specimens received in non-sterile or leaking containers.

Stability:

Swab:
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Do Not Freeze (except tissue specimens)

Tissue and Biopsy:
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months