Pathology Handbook

Optional Container Type

Dry Swab
EDTA 4 mL

EDTA 4 mL

Alternative names

HSV-1 PCR, HSV-2 PCR, CMV PCR (not viral load), VZV PCR, Varicella Zoster PCR, Viral PCR for Herpes viruses, Swab for Herpes PCR, Adenovirus PCR, Enterovirus PCR

Enterovirus PCR

Assay name

Herpes Virus Multiplex PCR (Sendaway Test)

Herpes Virus Multiplex PCR (Plasma) (Sendaway Test)

Preferred Specimen Type

Swab
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Plasma
Urine random

Plasma
Tissue

Preferred Container Type

See Under Collection Instructions
CSF Tube 3
EDTA 10 mL
Viral Transport Medium Swab
Faecal (Brown Top) Container

See Under Collection Instructions
EDTA 10 mL
Plain 70mL pot

Collection & Request Instructions

Tissue specimens not accepted for testing and need to order HSP (VIDRL)

For quantitative CMV PCR order CMV Viral Load.

A separate EDTA blood tube is essential. It cannot be used for other tests. 4 ml EDTA is acceptable if full.

Use a Gene expert (xpert) swab (red top swab). 

Guidelines for swab collection.

A sterile flocked swab is used to vigorously swab the base of the lesion— applying enough pressure to collect epithelial cells without causing bleeding—and collect vesicular fluid. It is important to collect infected epithelial cells from the base of the lesion because they usually contain a significant amount of virus. 
Break off swab into red top swab container.

For investigation of CMV colitis, a colonic biopsy is recommended. For all other enquires, please contact the Microbiology Registrar.

Tissue specimens not accepted for testing and need to order HSP (VIDRL)

For quantitative CMV PCR order CMV Viral Load.

A separate EDTA blood tube is essential. It cannot be used for other tests. 4 ml EDTA is acceptable if full.

For investigation of CMV colitis, a colonic biopsy is recommended. For all other enquires, please contact the Microbiology Registrar.

Frequency

Weekdays