Skin Swab – Viral PCR

Microbiology

Summary

Nucleic acid amplification assay (PCR) for the detection of:

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 DNA
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA

Usage

Diagnosis of vesicular skin infection (i.e. Herpes, Chicken Pox, Shingles.)

Specimen

Skin swab of vesicles

Specimen container

Red topped viral Copan swab (see above)

Green topped MWE Virocult Swab (see below)

Special Instructions

NB – Enterovirus are not routinely tested for – if you are considering this (e.g. hand, foot + mouth), please request specifically. Please contact the lab to discuss prior to sending.

Availability

Performed at RD&E

Turnaround time

Up to 7 days

Useful Links

For Patients:

Herpes Testing – Lab Tests Online

Chickenpox and Shingles Tests – Lab Tests Online

Genital herpes – NHS

Chickenpox – NHS

Shingles – NHS

Specimen Labelling Procedure