Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Culture - herpes simplex virus; Herpes simplex virus cultureDefinition Return to top
Herpes viral culture of a lesion is a test to confirm herpes simplex virus present in a skin lesion.How the test is performed Return to top
A specimen from a skin lesion (often a genital lesion) is collected during the acute stage of symptomatic infection and placed in a special transport medium. The specimen may be placed in cell cultures to replicate for identification, or it may be identified by monoclonal antibodies that detect early antigens of herpes simplex virus.
Serotyping of the virus (type 1 or 2) may also be done. Results are available within 16 hours to 7 days of receipt of the specimen, depending on the culture method used.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
The specimen must be collected during an acute infection.How the test will feel Return to top
The specimen is collected by scraping the suspected skin lesion or aspirating fluid from the lesion. This can cause a scraping or sticking sensation. Sometimes a specimen from the throat or eyes is obtained, usually by rubbing a sterile swab against the tissues.Why the test is performed Return to top
The test is performed to confirm herpes simplex infection. The diagnosis is often made by clinical examination rather than diagnostic testing.Normal Values Return to top
No growth is normal.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may indicate active infection with herpes simplex virus or asymptomatic viral shedding.Herpes genitalis (genital herpes simplex) is an additional condition under which the test may be performed.
What the risks are Return to top
The risks are slight bleeding or infection at the skin lesion site.Special considerations Return to top
Viral culture for herpes is a poor test and is often falsely negative (but extremely rarely falsely positive). The absence of a positive culture does not confirm that the patient does not have herpes. Update Date: 1/26/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |