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herpes simplex virus (hsv1&2) and VARICELLA ZOSTER (VZV) culture: (088-0140, 088-0141 and 088-0143)
Clinical Indication:

Lesions of  Eye, Skin, Tissue caused by infection with Herpes simplex virus 1 or Herpes simplex virus 2 or Varicella zoster virus.

Test Mnemonic:

 V HVSV
Methodology:

Shell vial cultures
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

  2-5 Days
Specimen Requirements: Patient Preparation: Culture of lesion, eye fluid, or biopsy samples

Collect:  Aspirate fluid from fresh vesicle with a syringe, when possible; then, using a Culturette (flocked swab), swab the base of the vesicle. Inoculate the viral transport medium with both the swab and the fluid.

Specimen Preparation: Use Viral transport medium (VTM). Place Viral transport medium tube on ice.

Storage/Transport: Place VTM on ice and transport to lab.

Stability: 24 hours if on ice

Causes for Rejection: Improper collection, wooden swabs,  delayed transport, transported at room temperature. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form.
Clinical Information:

 
Reference Range:

No Herpes simplex virus isolated; no Varicella zoster virus isolated
Note:

Viral Transport Media is available from Microbiology Lab Room 5.137 McCullough. 

This shell vial assay is only for HSV and VZV recovery. If other viruses are suspected, refer to other order options. Consult with Director of Clinical Microbiology for specific test and collection information.
CPT 4 Code:

 87254x3
Review 2/13/13 by T. Friloux

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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