Return to Test Directory
HSV 1&2 and VZV by NAAT (8000200117)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:

Swab of lesion.  Place swab in viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM).

Collect CSF via lumbar puncture into sterile container
Test Included:

Herpes simplex virus type 1, Herpes simplex virus type 2, and Varicella zoster virus detection.
Collection:

Swab Collection-Collect lesions by swabbing the lesion base.The swab is put into UTM.

Standard collection and handling procedures used to collect CSF via lumbar puncture.

Collection-Clean the puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol before needle insertion.

  1. Insert a needle with stylet at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 or L5-S1 interspaced.  When the subarachnoid space is reached, remove the stylet and spinal fluid will appear in the needle hub.
  2. Slowly drain the CSF into the sterile leak-proof tube.
Container:

Swab-Viral Transport Medium (VTM) or Universal Transport Medium (UTM)

CSF-sterile container
Minimum Volume:

Swab-3ml of UTM

CSF-0.25ml
Storage/Transport:

Specimen should be delivered to the lab ASAP on ice. 
Specimen Preparation:

Transfer swab to a VTM (Viral Transport Medium)  or UTM (Universal Transport Medium) tube.

Standard collection and handling procedures used to collect CSF via lumbar puncture.
Stability:

Up to 7 days prior to processing when stored at 2-8C or -20C. 

>7 days must be frozen -70C
Causes for Rejection:

Swabs-Improper collection, use of wooden swabs,

 

Swab and CSF-unlabeled or mislabeled samples, no date and time of colelction or no collector information in order.
Reference Range:

Negative
Turnaround Time:

Test is performed once daily.
Methodology:

Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Synonyms:

HSV, HSV1, HSV-1, HSV2, HSV-2, HERPES, VARICELLA, ZOSTER, VARICELLA ZOSTER, ZVZ, CHICKEN POX, SHINGLES

 
Clinical Indication:

 Suspected infection with Herpes simplex viruses or Varicella zoster virus from cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesions or CSF specimens.
Patient Preparation :

CSF-Lumbar spine punture
CPT 4 Code:

87529, 87798
Note:

 

All three assays are performed on each sample, the order must include all three viruses in it.

 
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-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
Return to Test Directory