Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Message Alert:

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Test Name/Synonym:

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections - Public Health (ProvLab)

Test Includes:

Serology (IgG (specific HSV serology)) – Note: HSV IgM serology is no longer available
Molecular testing (NAT (PCR))
CSF Panel (HSV, VZV, Enterovirus/Parechovirus)

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Specimen Type
Serology
5 mL serum separator tube (SST) or pediatrics may use 2 mL red top tube

Molecular testing (NAT (PCR))

Lesion swab in Universal Transport Medium – Note: Swab of lesion (blister) for PCR is more specific and a more appropriate specimen than serology
Bronchoscopy
1-2 mL blood in EDTA (lavender top) tube for visceral disseminated disease of the newborn or the immunideficient
Biopsy material/autopsy material in a sterile container

CSF Panel
For suspected aseptic meningitis or encephalitis: At least 0.5 mL DEDICATED CSF sample. Bloody CSF is not optimal for PCR tests.

For suspected congential HSV infection
See: Congenital Infections

Collection Method
See Sample Type and Collection Guidelines for Herpes simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella zoster Virus (VZV) testing

Test Resources:

Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20676.pdf

If requesting serology, specify HSV type specific serology on the requisition. For serology and CSF specimens, provide clinical history and indication of testing.

Processing:

Molecular testing (NAT (PCR))
Refrigerate by DO NOT freeze specimens.

CSF Panel
Refrigerate CSF until transport. If specimen can be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of collection then ship on ice/cold packs. If transportation might exceed 24 hours from collection then freeze at -70°C and transport on dry ice.

Bronchoscopy
Do not centrifuge. Ship on ice or cold pack within 24 hours

Testing Area:

Molecular Diagnostic, Virology

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Contact Comments:

For biopsy/autopsy material submission, contact Microbiologist/Virologist On Call.

Last Updated On:

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Date of Last Review:

Feb 13 2024 12:00AM