Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This test is used for diagnosis of oral or genital herpes simplex (HSV) virus infection and as part of the standard viral screen in CSF samples from suspected HSV encephalitis and meningitis. It is important to note that it may be negative in the first 2-3 days of encephalitis and consideration should be given to continuing treatment and repeating lumber puncture. The assay is seldom useful in blood samples, except in neonates with suspected neonatal HSV infection. The test differentiates HSV type 1 and type 2 and is also used on vesicular lesion swabs from any site.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile plain universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, vitreous fluid in sterile container, blood in EDTA (from neonates only).
Specimen container adult:
CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile plain universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, vitreous fluid in sterile container.
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5ml CSF
1ml blood in EDTA
1 Swab from site
0.5ml vitreous fluid
Minimum volume adult:
0.5ml CSF
1 Swab from site
0.5ml vitreous fluid
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 6 days
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
External Quality Assurance Scheme: INSTAND
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 43), Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI S 6)
Other info:
N/A