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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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HERPES SIMPLEX 1/2 AND VARICELLA ZOSTER, PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2453    Geisinger Epic ID:  37769

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

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: 

500mL CSF


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use. Use provided flocked swab (with UTM).



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerate (2-8°C)


Specimen stability: 

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


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Specimens not in viral transport medium. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens collected on wooden shafted swab. Expired transport medium. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Specimens that exceed stability limits. Improper specimen type. Frozen specimens.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

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


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive for herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 by PCR (Amplified Probe) and/or positive for varicella zoster virus 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.


CPT code(s):  87529 x2, 87798
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 and varicella zoster virus from approved specimen types


Methodology: 
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Herpes, herpes simplex virus, HSV, PCR, HSVPCR, varicella zoster, herpes zoster, VZV, VZ, shingles, VZVPCR, chickenpox, zoster, PCRHVZ


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. Varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of chickenpox and zoster (shingles).


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

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