HSV 1 & 2, VZV by PCR - CSF

Alternate test name

Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella Zoster Virus, Herpes virus, encephalitis.

Gene name / Alternate gene name

Proprietary

Lab area

Microbiology - Molecular

Method and equipment

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Expected turn-around time

Within 4 days

Specimen type

Specimen requirements

CSF 300 uL per 1 test, for multiple tests please ensure adequate sample volume is submitted
send in sterile screw top tube

Storage and transportation

All specimens must be shipped on dry ice
Exception: Specimens that will arrive at SickKids within 24 hours from the time of collection can be shipped on ice packs

Special requirements

If suspicion of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD), please contact the Microbiology Lab at 416-813-6000 prior to sending specimen.

Requisition

Disease condition

HSV-1 and HSV-2:

VZV:

Customer Service

Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Local: 416-813-7200