Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2) NAAT

TEST DESCRIPTION

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the detection of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2). This test uses real-time transcription-mediated amplification to detect and differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in clinician-collected swab specimens from anogenital skin lesions. 

Methodology

Transcription-mediated amplification

Reference range

Negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available one business day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Clinician-collected swab of anogenital lesion
  1. Preferred: Multitest swab placed in an Aptima Transport Tube
  2. Synthetic swab placed in viral transport medium (VTM)
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE

• Store Multitest swab in Aptima Transport Tube at refrigerated to room temperature (2–30°C/36–86°F) for up to 36 days. 
• Store synthetic swab in VTM at refrigerated temperature (2–8°C/36–46°F) for up to 3 days.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Specimen outside the appropriate storage temperature
• Holding time greater than 36 days if collected using a Multitest Swab Specimen Collection Kit
• Holding time greater than 3 days if collected into tube containing VTM
• Specimen container not labeled 
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 
• Swab specimens that are missing the swab, contain multiple swabs, or contain the wrong swab

CODES

CPT: 87529

LOINC: 16130-7, 16131-5

Test code: 6800

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Optimal specimen collection time is within the first 3 days after appearance of the vesicular lesion. Prior to specimen collection, patients should avoid topical treatments as these may reduce virus yield. 

1. Swab affected area: 
   1. Vigorously swab the base of the lesion to absorb fluid, being careful not to draw blood. Withdraw the swab without touching any other site outside the lesions.
      1. If needed, expose the base of the lesion to access fluid. 
2. Preferably, place Multitest swab into Aptima Transport Tube. Place swab into transport tube so that the score line is at the top of the tube. Align the score line with the top edge of the tube and carefully break the shaft. Discard top portion of shaft. Tightly screw the cap onto the tube.
   1. Alternately, place synthetic swab into a tube containing VTM. 
3. Place the collection tube inside the zippered portion of the biohazard specimen bag and seal tightly.  
4. Fill out the requisition form completely. Fold it in half (no staples please) and place it in the outer pocket of the biohazard specimen bag. 
5. Transport to the laboratory after collection.
   1. Multitest swabs in Aptima Transport Tubes are stable at refrigerated to room temperature for up to 36 days.
   2. Swabs in VTM are stable at refrigerated temperature for 3 days.