Ordering Recommendation
Traditional gold standard test for identifying acute herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in active lesions (eg, vesicles, ulcers, inflamed mucous membranes). Molecular testing is generally preferred (refer to Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR (0060041)).
Mnemonic
Methodology
Cell Culture/Immunoassay
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-7 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Buccal mucosa, eye, genital, rectal, throat or vesicle swab, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tissue, or vesicle fluid.
Fluid: Transfer 3 mL specimen to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL) Also acceptable: Transfer to 3 mL viral transport media (ARUP Supply #12884) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Swab or Tissue: Place in 3 mL viral transport media (ARUP Supply #12884) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Refrigerated.
Blood, CSF, plasma, or serum. Calcium alginate, eSwab, dry, or wood swabs.
Specimen source preferred.
Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Culture negative for herpes simplex virus.
Interpretive Data
Standard
Note
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87252; 87253
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0065005 | Culture, Herpes Simplex Virus | 16291-7 |
Aliases
- Culture, HSV
- Herpes Culture
- Herpes Simplex Viral Culture
- HSV Culture