Herpes detection from genital swabs - see Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
If certain criteria are met, CSF can be tested for HSV using the BioFire FilmArray® multiplex PCR - see Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Blood viral load PCR for Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), HHV7 and HHV8 can be carried out by reference laboratories.
Please discuss with Microbiology medical staff.
HHV-6 is also included in the CSF the BioFire FilmArray® multiplex PCR.
Sample type
HSV IgG:
Serum
HSV IgM not available: to diagnose acute infection please send a vesicle or surface swab as below
HSV PCR:
- Vesicle swab (non-genital)
- Eye swab
- Plasma (has not been verified by the laboratory)
Specimen requirements
HSV IgG:
Blood in SST gold top tube
HSV PCR:
- Swabs should be sent in universal transport medium (red or green top)
- Blood in EDTA
Minimum volume
HSV IgG - 0.5ml
HSV PCR - 0.5ml
Frequency of test
HSV IgG - daily (Monday to Saturday)
HSV PCR (not CSF) - at least twice per week (Monday to Friday)
Turnaround time
HSV IgG - one day
HSV PCR (not CSF) - 4 days
What to request on EPR
VZV / HSV PCR non-genital vesicle specimen; Adeno / HSV / VZV / Chlamydia PCR non-genital specimen (eyes); HSV IgG screen, blood
