PCR test for the detection of Herpes Simplex virus. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, lesions are most common in the genitals or mouth but it can also be responsible for fever in neonates and is a cause of brain infection. Test differentiates between HSV 1 and HSV 2.
Tube
Dependent on sample type:
- CSF – universal container
- Throat, Skin or Eye swab – Copan UTM-RT (red top tube)
- Genital swab – Aptima STM (orange labelled tube)
ID
3644.
Availability
Mon to Sat. Samples for same day testing must arrive before 9:30am.
Additional information
CSF – meningoencephalitis
Eye swab (internal and external) – conjunctivitis, Retinitis
Throat swab – Rash <10yrs
neurological symptoms
Skin swab – skin lesions
Genital swab – genital herpes
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Collection Con
If delays occur, refrigerate at 2 to 8 degrees C.
IP Routine TAT
3 days (non-genital).
5 days (genital).
GP Routine TAT
3 days (non-genital).
5 days (genital).