Search our extensive Laboratory Test Directory to find test codes, ordering recommendations, specimen stability information, Test Fact Sheets, and more.
Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
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; Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) Subtype by PCR (2010095). Orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox virus, cannot be identified clinically using this testing method. Refer to https://www.aruplab.com/monkeypox-testing for more information.
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates whether a test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York state approved.
Specimen Required
Patient PreparationInstructions patient must follow before/during specimen collection.
CollectSpecimen type to collect. May include collection media, tubes, kits, etc.
Buccal mucosa, eye, genital, rectal, throat or vesicle swab, neonatal surface swab, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tissue, or vesicle fluid.
Specimen PreparationInstructions for specimen prep before/after collection and prior to transport.
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. Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.
Storage/Transport TemperaturePreferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to ARUP. See Stability for additional info.
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable ConditionsCommon conditions under which a specimen will be rejected.
Blood, CSF, plasma, or serum. Bacterial transport systems; molecular transport systems; calcium alginate, dry, or wood swabs.
RemarksAdditional specimen collection, transport, or test submission information.
Specimen source preferred.
StabilityAcceptable times/temperatures for specimens. Times include storage and transport time to ARUP.
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-5 days
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Culture negative for herpes simplex virus.
Interpretive Data
May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, or details of testing.
Compliance Category
Standard
Note
Additional information related to the test.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
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