EPIC Code

LAB3233
HSVPCRPLS

Performing Lab

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory - Molecular Diagnostics

Collect

Preferred: 6 mL Pink (K2 EDTA)
Acceptable: 4 mL Purple (EDTA) or 2.0 mL Pink top (K2EDTA) BD Microtainer

Specimen Preparation

Separate plasma from cells. Transfer 1 mL of plasma to a sterile container (Min: >0.2 mL).

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Blood collected in containers other than EDTA.
  • Plasma from green tops (LiHep or NaHep).
  • Frozen whole blood.
  • Sample not properly identified, incorrect container, insufficient volume, or past stability.
  • Lab Note: Samples processed in lab using non-sterile technique—including samples previously tested with a “common needle” on an instrument (e.g., Sysmex)—are unacceptable.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Internal: Ambient
Offsite: Refrigerated

Performed

Day shift: Monday–Friday

Stability (from collection to initiation)

Room Temp: 12 hours
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: ≥31 days

Notes

Prior to February 2, 2026, this test was performed on whole blood. Now plasma.

Performed

Day shift: Monday–Friday

Methodology

Qualitative Real-time PCR

Reported

1–3 days

Synonyms

  • HSVPCRPLS (previously HSVPCRBLD)
  • HSV PCR Blood
  • Herpes PCR Plasma
  • HSV PCR-plasma
  • HSV PCR-Blood
  • HSV Type 1 PCR-Blood
  • HSV Type 2 PCR-Blood
  • Herpes Simplex PCR
  • Herpes Simplex Virus PCR

EPIC Code

LAB3233
HSVPCRPLS

Reference Interval

HSV Type 1 PCR-BloodNot detected
HSV Type 2 PCR-BloodNot detected

Note: Separate qualitative results will usually be given for both HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. Occasionally some samples do not exhibit clear typing and these samples will be resulted as "positive - unable to type."

Interpretive Data

Interpretation:
Not detected = Negative, no virus detected.
Detected = Positive, virus detected.

Methodology:
This test employs real-time PCR amplification of a Herpes simplex virus-specific conserved genetic target. A positive result should be coupled with clinical indicators for diagnosis.  A "Not detected" result for this assay does not exclude Herpes simplex virus involvement in a disease process. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the UCH Clinical Laboratory.  It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research. This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 ("CLIA") as qualified to perform high complexity clinical testing.

CPT Codes

87529 x2
Collection

EPIC Code

LAB3233
HSVPCRPLS

Performing Lab

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory - Molecular Diagnostics

Collect

Preferred: 6 mL Pink (K2 EDTA)
Acceptable: 4 mL Purple (EDTA) or 2.0 mL Pink top (K2EDTA) BD Microtainer

Specimen Preparation

Separate plasma from cells. Transfer 1 mL of plasma to a sterile container (Min: >0.2 mL).

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Blood collected in containers other than EDTA.
  • Plasma from green tops (LiHep or NaHep).
  • Frozen whole blood.
  • Sample not properly identified, incorrect container, insufficient volume, or past stability.
  • Lab Note: Samples processed in lab using non-sterile technique—including samples previously tested with a “common needle” on an instrument (e.g., Sysmex)—are unacceptable.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Internal: Ambient
Offsite: Refrigerated

Performed

Day shift: Monday–Friday

Stability (from collection to initiation)

Room Temp: 12 hours
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: ≥31 days

Notes

Prior to February 2, 2026, this test was performed on whole blood. Now plasma.
Ordering

Performed

Day shift: Monday–Friday

Methodology

Qualitative Real-time PCR

Reported

1–3 days

Synonyms

  • HSVPCRPLS (previously HSVPCRBLD)
  • HSV PCR Blood
  • Herpes PCR Plasma
  • HSV PCR-plasma
  • HSV PCR-Blood
  • HSV Type 1 PCR-Blood
  • HSV Type 2 PCR-Blood
  • Herpes Simplex PCR
  • Herpes Simplex Virus PCR

EPIC Code

LAB3233
HSVPCRPLS

Result Interpretation

Reference Interval

HSV Type 1 PCR-BloodNot detected
HSV Type 2 PCR-BloodNot detected

Note: Separate qualitative results will usually be given for both HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. Occasionally some samples do not exhibit clear typing and these samples will be resulted as "positive - unable to type."

Interpretive Data

Interpretation:
Not detected = Negative, no virus detected.
Detected = Positive, virus detected.

Methodology:
This test employs real-time PCR amplification of a Herpes simplex virus-specific conserved genetic target. A positive result should be coupled with clinical indicators for diagnosis.  A "Not detected" result for this assay does not exclude Herpes simplex virus involvement in a disease process. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the UCH Clinical Laboratory.  It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research. This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 ("CLIA") as qualified to perform high complexity clinical testing.

Administrative

CPT Codes

87529 x2

×
Learn More Remind Me Later Dismiss