Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Enterovirus
BPHL has internally validated (LDT) a qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HSV typing test.
Analyte(s)
Herpesvirus HSV-1 and HSV-2
Test Code
0840
Testing Location
Testing Department
Virology
Pre-approval Required?
No. Contact the local county health department (CHD) to start the process
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847 if not utilizing an electronic order.
Turn around Time
5-10 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Minimum Volume
.2 mL
Unsatisfactory specimen
1. Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips or with wooden shafts
2. Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
3. Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
4. Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
5. Specimen leaked in transit
6. Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
Collection Media
Dacron swab in viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM).
Sterile container with no preservatives.
Specimen Sources
Vesicular/pustular fluid collected on swabs
CSF
Cell culture isolates
Scabs
Biopsy samples
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
N/A
Storage Conditions
Store specimens at 2-8° C for up to 6 days after collection or frozen at less than or equal to -20° C until shipment. Ship specimens within 4 days of collection.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens must be shipped overnight at 2-8° C or frozen on dry ice at less than or equal to -20° C. If you store the sample frozen, it must be shipped frozen to avoid a freeze thaw cycle.
You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
General PCR inhibitors.
Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips or with wooden shafts, can result in inactivation of some viruses and inhibit some molecular assays.
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
HSV-1 or HSV-2 detected
No virus detected
Reference lab
CDC, if needed
Reflex testing
None