Herpes simplex virus DNA testing detects HSV genetic material from the ThinPrep Pap Test sample. This method can type the virus in circumstances where the virus is present in low numbers or if the lesion is several days old. The advantages of HSV by PCR testing include:

• PCR is 25% more sensitive than a culture
• Whereas the culture requires quick access to the lesions, PCR does not require as many virus particles for accurate testing – this allows more time between lesion outbreak and sample collection with a lower false negative rate
• PCR testing eliminates need for refrigeration (cultures require refrigeration)
• ThinPrep vial is a convenient transport media