Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

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