Herpes simplex – Conjunctival
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Herpes Simplex Virus |
Conjunctival Swab in multi-organism transport medium1 |
Swab of vesicle |
Virus Culture Collection Kit Order # 390081 |
Submission and Collection Notes
Follow the instructions found in the Virus-Culture Kit Instruction Sheet.
Limitations
Preparation Prior to Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Herpes Simplex Virus culture is performed daily Monday to Friday.
Turnaround time is between 2 to 12 days (see test methods for more detail
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
Specimens that are positive for Herpes simplex virus in neonates are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Specimens requesting herpes virus are tested by a shell vial or plate virus culture technique using Diagnostic Hybrids “ELVIS” HSV test system. Positives are identified as Herpes simplex type 1 or 2, and are reported within 2 days.
Specimens not specifically requesting Herpes and those received on weekends and holidays may be set up by virus culture as an alternative.
Samples are observed in culture for a minimum of 10 days to allow for growth of the virus in culture. Samples that are positive can be observed at any point during this period, and can be reported up to 12 days.
Electron Microscopy can be performed on slides prepared from lesions; however this method has very low sensitivity and is not recommended.
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