Pathology Handbook

Herpes Virus Multiplex PCR (Sendaway Test)

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

Laboratory:

Microbiology

Test Code:

HVM

Specimen Types:

Swab
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Plasma
Urine random

Container Types:

See Under Collection Instructions
CSF Tube 3
EDTA 10 mL
Viral Transport Medium Swab
Faecal (Brown Top) Container
Dry Swab
EDTA 4 mL

Adults Volume or Mass:

10 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

0.2 mL

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.

Transport Instructions:

Room Temperature

Processing Instructions:

Please note, Adenovirus PCR on Faeces is sent to a different lab - see separate enty in Handbook

External Laboratory:

The Alfred Pathology Service (APS)

External Transport Instructions:

Send at 4'C with Ice Pack