Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 DNA Quantitative PCR (Urinary)
This test detects the presence of genetic material from Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in your urine using a highly sensitive molecular method.
["It helps identify if HSV-1 is actively shedding in your urine, which can occur during outbreaks or certain conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103180-6
- Short code
- HSV1 DNA Ur Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- HSV1 DNA Ur Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like sores, pain, or unusual discharge in the genital, mouth, or anal area, or if you’ve had recent exposure to someone with HSV-1. It may also be used to monitor viral activity in certain medical situations.
How the Test Works
The test uses a special laboratory technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify tiny amounts of HSV-1 DNA in your urine. This method is highly sensitive and can detect viral activity even when symptoms aren’t present.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A urine sample is collected and sent to a lab where it is processed to extract viral genetic material. The test focuses on detecting HSV-1 DNA rather than measuring virus particles directly.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of HSV-1 DNA in your urine, suggesting active viral shedding. A negative result means no detectable HSV-1 DNA was found in this sample, but this does not rule out infection entirely.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HSV-1 DNA Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing HSV-1 infections in individuals with unclear symptoms or when other tests are inconclusive. It can also help guide treatment decisions by identifying active viral replication, which may require antiviral medications.
A positive result means your urine contains genetic material from HSV-1, indicating that the virus is actively present in your body. This may suggest an outbreak or ongoing viral activity, which your healthcare provider can use to tailor treatment and management strategies.
This specific test is designed for urine samples only. However, similar PCR tests can be performed on other body fluids like saliva or cerebrospinal fluid if needed for different clinical situations.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy