Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Culture Screen
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Method | Tissue Culture |
| CPT Code | 87254 |
| Preferred Specimen | Vesicular Fluid, Ulcerated Lesions, Pharyngeal and Throat Swabs, Urine, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Autopsy and Biopsy Material, Eye Exudates, Vaginal Swabs. Swabs. |
| Minimum Specimen Volume | Swab in Transport Media, 1 ml Fluid. 0.5 g Tissue |
| Specimen Container | Viral Collection or Sterile Screw-Capped Container. |
| Specimen Identification | Label tube with patient’s first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection. |
| Special Instructions | Specimen should be collected within the first 3 days after appearance of lesion but no more than 7 days. After collection, remove cap from the transport media tube an insert swab aseptically into transport tube and break swab shaft. Replace cap so that swab will not interfere with closure and allow tube to leak. Label tube with patient identification and transport to the laboratory at 4°C. Indicate specimen source on requisition. |
| Shipping Requirements | Specimen should be kept at 4°C (refrigerated) and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection. If longer storage is required, the specimen should be frozen at –70°C or on dry ice. |
| Sample Rejection Criteria |
|
| Turn-around-time | 48-72 Hours (M-F) |