Test Name

Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleic Acid Detection (HSV PCR)

Test Code

HSPC

Specimen Type

DEDICATED molecular specimens are required for blood and swab requests.

CSF, EDTA blood, Plasma/Serum, Semen, Dry swab, Tissue Biopsy

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL blood / 0.2 mL CSF

Preferred Volume

1 mL blood / 0.5 mL CSF

Comments

Collection Instructions:

Roll dry / flocked swab over lesion and resheath in original plastic container.

Recommended transport/storage conditions

• CSF: 2-8^oC for 3 days
• EDTA Blood: 2-8^oC for 3 days
• Plasma/Serum: 2-8^oC for 3 days
• Semen: : 2-8^oC for 3 days
• Dry swab: <30^oC (Room temp) for 3 days
• Tissue biopsy: 2-8^oC for 3 days

Assay Performed

Molecular Microbiology
RCH - 9345 4673
Laboratory Hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:30 (excluding public holidays)

No afterhours service; if urgent testing is required, the requesting clinician is to contact on-call Clinical Microbiologist for advice via switchboard

Assay Frequency

Daily (Monday – Friday)

For same day results, specimens need to be received in the laboratory before 11:00am (RCH) and 8:30am (RWH)