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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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HERPES SIMPLEX 1 AND 2, PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2452    Geisinger Epic ID:  36101

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

1) Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). 2) Swab specimens (in UTM) include (but are not limited to): skin, lip, oral, tongue, throat, nasopharyngeal (NP), genital, eye/conjunctiva, or anal/rectal/perineum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

0.50 mL CSF or swab specimens (as above).


Special notes: 

Collect 0.50 mL CSF. Sterile screw-cap tube is acceptable for CSF only. For swab specimens, use provided flocked swab (with UTM). Do not add UTM to CSF specimens. Check expiration date on transport device before use.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (2-8°C)


Specimen stability: 

Stable for 7 days at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C)


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Swab specimens not in viral transport medium. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimen collected with wooden-shafted swab. Expired transport media. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Improper specimen type. Frozen specimens. CSF in UTM.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by PCR (Amplified Probe)


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive for herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 by PCR (Amplified Probe)
Additional information: 

Geisinger standard of care: All dermatological swab specimens submitted in UTM from Geisinger sites will have PCR testing performed for both HSV types 1 and 2 and VZV. Order LAB2453 (HERPES SIMPLEX 1/2 AND VARICELLA ZOSTER, PCR). CSF testing will be performed within 24 hours of receipt at GMC testing lab.


CPT code(s):  87529 x2
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Detects viral DNA of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 from approved specimen types


Methodology: 
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Herpes, herpes simplex virus, HSV, PCR, HSVPCR. viral encephalitis, viral meningitis, PCRHSV


Clinical significance: 

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are causative agents for genital, oral, and skin herpetic lesions. Herpes simplex viruses also cause central nervous system infections (encephalitis). In addition, disseminated disease is seen in newborns and immumocompromised patients.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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