Name of the Procedure:

Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Herpes simplex virus, quantification.
Common names: HSV-1 & HSV-2 Quantitative PCR, Herpes Simplex Virus DNA Test

Summary

This procedure is a lab test used to measure the amount of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) DNA or RNA in a patient's blood or tissue sample. It helps to determine the viral load present in the body.

Purpose

This test is used to diagnose and monitor the activity of Herpes Simplex Virus infections. It helps in confirming a herpes infection, assessing the severity, and guiding treatment decisions. The goal is to manage and control the HSV infection effectively.

Indications

• Persistent or recurrent symptoms of oral or genital herpes
• Suspected congenital herpes infection in newborns
• Immunocompromised patients with potential HSV infections
• Evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral therapy

Preparation

• No specific preparation like fasting is generally required.
• Inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
• A healthcare provider may request discontinuation of certain antiviral medications before the test.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare provider will collect a sample using a swab from a lesion, tissue sample, or blood draw.
2. The sample is then sent to a lab where the DNA or RNA of the HSV is extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
3. The amount of viral DNA/RNA is then measured and quantified.

Tools and Equipment:

• Swabs for lesion sampling
• Blood collection tubes
• PCR machine and reagents

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Not required for this procedure.

Duration

The sample collection takes just a few minutes, but it may take a few days to get the lab results back.

Setting

This test can be conducted in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized lab.

Personnel

Sample collection may be done by a nurse or phlebotomist. The analysis is performed by a laboratory technician or pathologist.

Risks and Complications

• Minor discomfort or soreness at the sample collection site.
• Rare risk of infection from blood draw.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of HSV infection.
• Helps guide effective treatment and management.
• Quick detection and quantification, usually within a few days.

Recovery

• No specific post-procedure care is needed.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.

Alternatives

• Serology tests (HSV antibody testing)
• Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing for HSV
• Viral culture

Pros and Cons:

• Serology tests can identify past exposure but not current infection status.
• DFA and viral culture are less sensitive and take longer for results.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Minimal discomfort during lesion swab or blood draw.
• Slight sting from the needle for blood collection.

After the procedure:

• Generally no pain or discomfort.
• Results will be communicated by the healthcare provider.

Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

• Pain from blood draw can be minimized with proper technique.
• Any questions or concerns can be addressed by the healthcare provider.