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 normally requested following discussion with a virologist when a patient is not responding to treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. It is a genotypic (sequencing) test which detects mutations in the virus which may be associated with resistance to specific antiretroviral medications. Normally two viral genes are sequenced (the viral kinase and polymerase) to identify mutations conferring resistance to aciclovir/valaciclovir, foscarnet or cidofovir.
Specimen container paediatric:
Swab in viral transport medium.
Specimen container adult:
Swab in viral transport medium.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 Swab from site
Minimum volume adult:
1 Swab from site
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 1 week.
Quality Assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports by Reference Laboratory
Reference Ranges:
None available
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
N/A
Other Info:
Referred to UKHSA, Colindale