Proper methods of culturing herpes simplex virus.

Viral isolation is the most sensitive and specific technique for establishing the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The most important factor influencing the ability to isolate HSV in the laboratory is the method of specimen collection. Selection of appropriate specimens, culturing of vesicle fluid or ulcers early in the course of the infection, avoidance of calcium alginate swabs, use of appropriate transport media and storage at 4 degrees C (not freezing) until inoculation are techniques that enhance HSV recovery. Over 50% of HSV isolates are recovered within one day, 80% by two days and approximately 90% by three days. Laboratory confirmation of HSV infection is critical in many clinical settings, and isolation of the virus in tissue culture remains the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis.