Test Details
Mnemonic
HSVC
Ordering Code
3093600
CPT-4 Code(s)
87252, plus 87253 if isolated, at additional cost
Specimen Information
Collect
Variable specimen types
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).
EDTA Plasma - (lavender top tube), 2.0 mL of separated plasma (1.0 mL minimum).
Biopsy/tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (Snap frozen -20°C).
EDTA Plasma - (lavender top tube), 2.0 mL of separated plasma (1.0 mL minimum).
Alternate Specimen
The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed.
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL
Transport Temperature
Varies with specimen type, see stability
Rejection Criteria
The following specimen types will not be tested: CSF or body fluids; CNS tissue; Urine; Stool; Whole blood 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 or Plasma:
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Tissue and Biopsy:
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Tissue and Biopsy:
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Methodology
Standard tube culture with monoclonal antibody staining of CPE-positive cultures. This method can isolate and differentiate herpes type 1 and herpes type 2. Other viruses in the specimen will not be identified.
Reference Range
Not detected
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
Yes