Cercopithecine Herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1), Swab (Sendout)

Useful For: Identifying B virus and/or antibody to B virus in individuals who have been potentially exposed due to an injury. CHV-1 (Herpes B Virus) can cause a fatal zoonosis in humans.

• GSU National B Virus Resource Laboratory B Virus Guidelines

For additional information, contact:

• UW Employee Health Center at Hall Health (206) 685-1026.
• Laboratory Medicine Resident on-call (General) via the paging operator at (206) 598-6190.

Ordering Notes:

• This test is ordered in conjunction with serology (RCHV), and, if indicated, a CSF Panel (OLTG 430).
• For orders not placed in Epic, a completed GSU B Virus requisition is required.

Materials: Sterile swab with dacron tip and nylon shaft in viral transport media (VTM) or laboratory prepared media.

• Unacceptable: Do not use swabs with wooden or metal shafts or cotton tips.

Collection:

• Swab each collection site with a separate sterile swab.
• Place each swab into separate sample tubes containing 1.0 – 3.0 ml of viral transport
  media. If the shaft is longer than the tube, break it off by bending it against the side of the
  tube. Shafts that are too long will break through the cap, causing leaks and possible
  exposure to B virus.

Accession a separate order for each swab received, and indicate the specimen site in the modifier. Place specimen in a in a biohazard bag in the refrigerated Sendouts rack.

• Expedite processing. Notify sendouts when samples are received in the Lab Monday-Friday prior to 3:30 p.m.

SPS:

• Baseline post-exposure orders will be submitted by the ED via Epic.
• Follow-up orders will be submitted by Campus Health. Accession using the HHWEXS- location as indicated on the requisition.

Sendouts:

• For Epic orders, use the Order Questions (on the Epic requisition) to complete the B Virus requisition.
• For follow-up orders, Campus Health will complete the B Virus requisition.
• Ship samples with sufficient dry ice to ensure that they arrive frozen at NIHGSU. Samples should be shipped same day as collection, if possible.
• To ship samples on a Friday for Saturday delivery, call NIHGSU staff at (404) 413-6550 to notify them of the incoming shipment. Select "Saturday Delivery" option and provide NIHGSU with the FedEx tracking number.

Stability: Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen -70°C: Indefinitely; Ambient: Unacceptable. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles.