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Herpes Simplex DFA
Methodology Direct Immunofluorescence
Performed Mon-Sat.
Reported Analytical Time Next day
Specimen Required
Collect Vesicle swab (preferred), bronchoalveolar lavage, or tissue, submitted in M4 (viral transport media). Source of specimen is required.
Transport 2-well slide with vesicle swab smear (preferred) at 2-8�C; or vesicle swab, bronchoalveolar lavage, or tissue in multipurpose transport media (Microtest M4) at 2-8�C.
Remarks Do not freeze. Culture is recommended for any specimens that are negative by DFA. It should only be ordered for rapid diagnosis of life threatening infections.
Unacceptable Conditions CSF samples or samples in EIA transport media, Gen-Probe�, LCx� STD or bacterial transport media. Dry swabs, wood swabs, swabs in transport gel, calcium alginate swabs.
Stability Ambient: 4 hours; Refrigerated: 3 days
CPT Codes 87274 Antigen detection HSV 1; 87273 Antigen detection HSV 2