Dermal or genital swab or body fluids (Note: for blood specimens, order HSV BLD PCR)

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Dermal (skin surface, throat, eye, nose)
1. Obtain M4 viral transport media (e-swab is acceptable, but not preferred).
2. Collect dermal or lesion specimen using the appropriate culture collection swab.
3. Place the swab in M4 viral transport media (or e-swab media).
4. Label the tube with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
5. Send the specimen refrigerated.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Genital
1. Obtain M4 viral transport media (e-swab is acceptable, but not preferred).
2. Collect the specimen from the cervix, rectum, urethra, vagina, or other genital sites using the appropriate culture collection swab.
3. Place the swab in M4 viral transport media (or e-swab media).
4. Label the tube with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
5. Send the specimen refrigerated.
6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

Body Fluids (Bronchial washings) 
1. 0.5 mL of body fluid (0.3 mL minimum).
2. Place the specimen in a screw-capped, sterile vial.
3. Label the vial with the patient’s full name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of collection, initials of the person collecting the specimen, and the specimen source.
4. Send the specimen refrigerated.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: The specimen source is required on the request form for processing.

87529 x 2 - (EAP 30050350)