Herpes Simplex PCR (Swab)

Test Information

Test Name

Herpes Simplex PCR (Swab)

Synonyms

Vesicular rash

Preferred Specimen

Viral Swab

Testing Location

PLBOP; Referral

Collection Information

Preparation

  • Take viral swab from lesion of blister fluid or slide

Processing Information

Registration Code

HSVT

Notes

Register the requested virus ONLY if requestor has specified the virus required to be tested

  • If no virus specified, check clinical details.
  • For requests with clinical details including" Chicken Pox, Shingles, Zoster or Varicella" , register VZVP
  • For requests with clinical details including "Herpes Simplex", register HSVT
  • For requests with clinical details including "Vesicular Rash, ? Cause", register both VZVP & HSVT
  • If this is an e-order, and the required test is different from what was requested in any way, then send to manual registration
  • If multiple swab received; barcode each swab with different lab numbers
  • Herpes Zoster - refer to Varicella Zoster

Site Specific Notes

- Waikato

Referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory

- Tauranga

Process inhouse Molecular Microbiology

- Whakatane

Process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology

- Rotorua

Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology (include outpatients and sexual health clinics); community request referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory

- Taupo

Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology (include outpatients and sexual health clinics); community request referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Contact Information

laura.yau@pathlab.co.nz

External Referral Information

Referral Location

Waikato Hospital Laboratory

Send Away Notes

Viral swabs to be collected into viral transport medium. EDTA blood can be used in cases of suspected disseminated HSV disease. Please contact the clinical microbiologist to discuss.