HSV 1 & 2, VZV by PCR - Autopsy/Biopsy
Alternate test name
Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella Zoster Virus
Gene name / Alternate gene name
Proprietary
Lab area
Microbiology - Molecular
Method and equipment
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Expected turn-around time
4 days
Specimen type
- tissue biopsy
Specimen requirements
- sterile screw top container
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 there is a suspicion of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD), please contact the Microbiology Laboratory at 416-813-6000 prior to sending specimen
Disease condition
HSV-1 and HSV-2:
- Neonatal herpes simplex infection
- disseminated infection
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
VZV:
- Disseminated infection
- Encephalitis
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Customer Service
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Local: 416-813-7200