Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Placental Culture
This test checks for the presence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in placental tissue, which may help identify if the virus was transmitted during pregnancy.
["Placental HSV culture helps assess potential infection risks during pregnancy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35425-8
- Short code
- HSV Placenta Cult
- Synonyms
- HSV Placenta Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if there is a concern about HSV infection during pregnancy. This could happen if you have symptoms of HSV, have been exposed to the virus, or if you have a history of recurrent infections. The test helps ensure the health of both you and your baby.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small sample of placental tissue is collected during delivery. This sample is then sent to a lab to grow HSV cultures. The lab will examine the tissue for signs of the virus over time.
What Are the Possible Results?
If HSV is detected in the placental tissue, it may indicate that the virus was present during pregnancy. If no HSV is found, it suggests the placenta was not infected at the time of testing. Results can influence further prenatal care and delivery planning.
What Does This Test Tell You About Your Baby?
While this test focuses on placental tissue, it does not directly assess whether your baby was infected. However, identifying HSV in the placenta can help guide decisions about monitoring your baby’s health post-birth and may influence delivery plans to minimize exposure risk.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results may indicate a higher risk of neonatal HSV infection, which can be serious. Healthcare providers will use these findings alongside other clinical assessments to tailor care, such as monitoring newborns closely or considering specific delivery precautions. Negative results suggest no active HSV infection in the placenta but do not guarantee the baby is free from HSV entirely.
Short name
HSV Placental Culture
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my baby’s health?
Can this test detect HSV in my baby’s blood?
Will I need to take any special precautions if this test is positive?
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