Herpes Culture (with Typing) *

SIM

LAB946

CPT

87255 

Synonyms

HSV Culture, Herpes Simplex Culture; Herpes Culture 

Specimen Type

Vesicular fluid, ulcerated lesions, pharyngeal and throat swabs, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), autopsy and biopsy material, eye exudates, vaginal swabs

Container

Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport provided by LabCorp, or other appropriate transport medium; body fluids and tissue samples may be submitted in viral transport media or in a sterile leakproof container.

Collection Instructions

Specimen is best collected within the first three days after appearance of lesion but no more than seven days. After collection, remove cap from the transport media tube and insert swab aseptically into transport tube and break swab shaft. 

Volume

Swab in viral transport media, 1 mL fluid, 0.5 g tissue in transport medium

Additional Information

Call lab if unsure about sources or collection.

Patient Preparation

Specimen Processing Instructions

Write SOURCE of culture on tube.

Do not freeze

Transport Requirements

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated : 7 days 

Rejection Criteria

Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additive; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen stored or transported greater than seven days refrigerated; specimen stored or transported at room temperature; wooden shaft swab in transport device

Reference Range

Negative

Critical Value

Test Includes

Cell culture by ELVIS® method; identification and typing of herpes simplex virus 

Methodology

Enzyme-linked virus-inducible system (ELVIS®) Cultures positive by ELVIS® are confirmed by immunofluorescent staining.  

Testing Frequency

LCA

008250 

Reviewed By

Rhonda Crowe

Reviewed Date

2/24/23

Supplemental

 * Denotes Reference Lab Test