Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2, NAA
Code:18037|CPT:87529|LOINC:16130-7, 16131-5
| Includes | HSV 1 NAA HSV 2 NAA |
|---|
Analysis details
Methodology
- Nucleic acid amplification (NAA)
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
Expected Turnaround Time
1–2 days
Special Instructions
- For an oropharyngeal swab, avoid eating, drinking, toothbrushing, mouth or throat rinses, chewing gum, and smoking for 3–4 hours beforehand; morning collection after overnight rest is preferred.
- Women: plan urogenital swab or urine collection before menstruation or 2–3 days after it ends.
- Avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes prior to specimen collection.
- Men: do not urinate for 3 hours before a urogenital swab is obtained.
- Men: avoid urination and genital hygiene for 6 hours before urine collection.
How to use
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2, NAA (HSV DNA NAAT/real-time PCR) is used to demonstrate active HSV shedding and to report type-specific results distinguishing HSV-1 from HSV-2. Applications include diagnosis of genital HSV infection in women and men, monitoring response to antiviral therapy, and assessment of women before or during pregnancy when infection or transmission risk is a concern.
Limitations
Real-time PCR can detect low copy numbers of HSV DNA in clinical specimens and allows identification regardless of the interval since exposure, including before seroconversion occurs. HSV-1 most commonly affects the oral and perioral mucosa, whereas HSV-2 more often involves the genital tract; however, either type may infect either anatomic site. Transmission results from skin or mucosal contact during periods of viral shedding, which may be asymptomatic. Primary infection can cause painful vesicles with systemic manifestations, followed by latency and potential reactivation during stress or immunosuppression. Complications include neonatal herpes and herpes simplex encephalitis, with heightened risk in immunocompromised individuals. A negative HSV NAAT indicates no detectable shedding at the time of collection and does not exclude prior infection.
| Unit | qualitative |
|---|---|
| Reference interval | — |
| Indications | Workup of patients with suspected genital herpes simplex virus infection |
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Decreased levels
- antiviral therapy
- inadequate specimen collection
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen | Urine |
|---|---|
| Container | Urine PCR Collection Tube |
| Storage Instructions | Room temperature, Refrigerated |