What is the difference between this PCR test and a viral culture for HSV-2?

Real-time PCR is significantly more sensitive (>99%) than viral culture (~50-70%) for detecting HSV-2 DNA. PCR also provides much faster results, typically within days compared to weeks for culture.

Why is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample sometimes required?

CSF testing is necessary when herpes encephalitis or meningitis is suspected. PCR on CSF allows for rapid and definitive diagnosis, which is critical for initiating timely antiviral therapy.

Is sample collection done at home?

No, sample collection for this test must be conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility. Mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety reasons related to the sample types required.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result indicates that HSV-2 DNA was detected in your sample, confirming an active infection. You should discuss the results and potential treatment options with your physician.

How accurate is this test?

This real-time PCR test has a clinical sensitivity exceeding 99% and high specificity. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing active HSV-2 infection.

Molecular Diagnostics → HSV PCR

Results: Sample Mon/Thu by 11 AM → Report Wed/Sat Sample: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Lesion Swab, Tissue

Test Price

650 AED

✅ Home Collection Available

📋 Results in Sample Mon/Thu by 11 AM → Report Wed/Sat

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 PCR Qualitative Test in UAE | 650 AED

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Laboratory Processing.
Sample Collection: Hospital Extraction Only – Sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility; mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety.
Clinical Guidance: Complimentary Telephonic Post-Test Result Interpretation by our clinical team.
Insurance: Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731 (Instant Reply).

Test Overview & Methodology

This qualitative real-time PCR test directly detects HSV type 2 DNA from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lesion swabs, or tissue — confirming active infection with near-absolute precision. Polymerase chain reaction amplifies specific viral genetic targets, enabling detection even when viral load is minimal. Results are reported as detected or not detected, providing unambiguous clinical guidance for genital, neonatal, or central nervous system presentations.

Feature	Our Test	Closest Alternative (Viral Culture)
Methodology	Real-Time PCR (NAAT) – direct DNA detection	Viral culture (weeks, low sensitivity)
Turnaround Time	Sample Mon/Thu by 11 AM → Report Wed/Sat	7–14 days
Clinical Sensitivity	>99% (FDA-cleared platform)	~50–70% (often false negatives)
Sample Type	CSF, lesion swab, or tissue (hospital procedure)	Lesion swab only

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

“A positive HSV-2 PCR result must be interpreted within the full clinical context — viral detection alone does not determine disease severity or prognosis. For neonates and immunocompromised individuals, rapid molecular confirmation can be life-saving when antiviral therapy is initiated promptly. Always correlate laboratory findings with physical examination and patient history.”

— Dr. Ajay Singh, DHA Registration ID: 36234132, General Practitioner

⚠️ Medication Advisory

Do not discontinue any prescribed antiviral or other medication without explicit instruction from your treating physician. Abrupt cessation of therapy may lead to viral rebound or clinical deterioration.

Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags

Exclusion: Active bleeding disorder (uncorrected coagulopathy) or infection at the lumbar puncture site.
Exclusion: Known allergy to local anaesthetic (lidocaine) for swab or tissue collection.
Red Flag: After CSF collection: severe headache, nausea, neck stiffness, photophobia, or new-onset seizures — seek emergency care immediately.
Red Flag: Any sudden neurological deterioration (confusion, limb weakness) following lumbar puncture.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. What is the HSV Type 2 PCR test used for?

This test detects herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA directly from clinical specimens, confirming active infection in genital, neonatal, or central nervous system presentations. It is the gold-standard method for diagnosing HSV-2-related disease.

2. Why is a cerebrospinal fluid sample required for this PCR?

Cerebrospinal fluid is necessary when herpes encephalitis or meningitis is suspected. PCR testing on CSF enables rapid, definitive diagnosis and guides urgent antiviral therapy, significantly improving patient outcomes.

3. How accurate is the HSV Type 2 PCR test?

Real-time PCR for HSV-2 demonstrates clinical sensitivity exceeding 99% and near-perfect specificity. It is considered the diagnostic gold standard, far surpassing viral culture which has a sensitivity of only 50–70%.

4. What should I do if my test result is positive?

A positive result indicates active HSV-2 infection. Schedule a follow-up consultation with your treating physician to discuss antiviral therapy options and symptom management. Our clinical team is available for complimentary telephonic guidance.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) – Complete data privacy and consent management framework.
Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields – Secure handling of electronic health records and digital diagnostics.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) – Process quality management and continuous improvement.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 PCR Qualitative Test
Price (AED)	650 AED
Turnaround Time	Sample Mon/Thu by 11 AM → Report Wed/Sat
Sample Type / Matrix	Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Lesion Swab, Tissue (Hospital Extraction Only)
Methodology Used	Real-Time PCR (NAAT)
ICD-10-CM Code	B00.9
LOINC Code	43304-9
DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address	DHA License No. 1143 – Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE \| DNA Labs UAE

دعم ثنائي اللغة متاح

التحقق من التغطية التأمينية

Check Insurance Coverage Instantly

Stop the guesswork. Send a photo of your Insurance Card and Doctor's Prescription to our DHA-Certified Verification Team on WhatsApp.

توقف عن التخمين. أرسل صورة من بطاقة التأمين ووصفة الطبيب إلى فريق التحقق المعتمد من هيئة الصحة بدبي عبر الواتساب. احصل على تحديث الحالة في دقائق.

✅ DHA Certified ✅ ISO 15189 ✅ HIPAA Compliant

💬 التحقق عبر الواتساب Verify via WhatsApp 📞 Call Team

Available in Arabic, English, Hindi & Urdu

Preparation Required

[]

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dr. Ajay Singh

All content reviewed by qualified professionals for accuracy.

🏅

ISMS 27001:2022

📋

ISO Accredited

🔒

HIPAA

All reports reviewed by DHA-Certified physicians