Herpes Virus 1/2

Test name:
Herpes Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 PCR

Order name:
CSF HSV 1 + 2 PCR

Specimen requirements:
Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Minimum volume:
0.5 mL

Storage and stability information:
Refrigerated, 1 week. Frozen at -20º 7 days.

Test performed:
Daily

Methodology:
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference range:
Negative for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 DNA

Clinical significance:
HSV is a virus that is an important cause of encephalitis and meningitis in both adults and children.  Untreated HSV encephalitis is associated with high mortality (~70%) and neurologic sequelae in survivors. 

CPT codes:
87529 x 2