HSV-Q Real-Time PCR Test Kit

Product Overview


Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections are among the most prevalent viral infections worldwide, caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2), members of the Orthoherpesviridae family. HSV-1 is primarily associated with oral herpes infections, including cold sores and oral lesions, while HSV-2 is predominantly linked to genital herpes infections transmitted through sexual contact. Both viruses establish lifelong latent infections and may reactivate periodically, leading to recurrent symptomatic episodes and continued viral transmission.

Although many HSV infections remain asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms, active infections can cause painful blisters, ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and significant discomfort. In immunocompromised individuals, neonates, and pregnant women, HSV infections may lead to severe complications including disseminated disease, encephalitis, and neonatal herpes, making rapid and accurate diagnosis critically important.

The HSV-Q Real-Time PCR Test Kit for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 from Genes2Me is a highly sensitive and specific in vitro diagnostic assay designed for the qualitative detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA in clinical samples using Real-Time PCR technology. The assay utilises type-specific primers and fluorescent hydrolysis probes targeting conserved genetic regions of HSV-1 and HSV-2, enabling accurate and simultaneous detection in a single reaction.

Targets:
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) & Type 2 (HSV-2) DNA
Technology:
Real-Time PCR (TaqMan)
Detection:
Qualitative Detection (Detected / Not Detected)
Sample Type:
Blood, Plasma, Serum
Certification:
CE-IVD
HSV-Q

How the Assay Works


The HSV-Q assay is based on Real-Time PCR technology using highly specific primers and fluorescent probes designed to detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA targets simultaneously. The assay specifically targets:

  • HSV-1 glycoprotein D gene
  • HSV-2 US5 gene

Amplified HSV-1 DNA is detected in the FAM channel, while HSV-2 amplification is detected in the Texas Red channel. An Internal Control targeting the human RNaseP gene is monitored in the Cy5 channel, ensuring sample adequacy and amplification integrity in every reaction. Ready-to-use reagents simplify workflow, reduce hands-on preparation time, and minimise the risk of contamination or procedural variability.

Why Molecular Testing Matters for HSV


Clinical symptoms of HSV infection can overlap with other sexually transmitted infections and dermatological conditions, making symptom-based diagnosis unreliable. Serological testing may not accurately distinguish active from latent infection and may fail during early infection stages before antibody development.

Molecular detection through Real-Time PCR provides highly sensitive and specific identification of active HSV infection by directly detecting viral DNA. Simultaneous differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 supports accurate diagnosis, patient counselling, infection management, and therapeutic decision-making. Rapid molecular diagnosis is particularly important for:

  • Symptomatic genital and oral lesions
  • Neonatal herpes screening
  • Immunocompromised patients
  • Pregnancy-related HSV monitoring
  • Early detection before extensive viral spread
  • Differential diagnosis of ulcerative lesions

Sample Type & Reporting Output


Sample Type:
Blood, Plasma, Serum
Reporting Output:
Qualitative Detection of HSV-1 & HSV-2 DNA
Targets Detected:
HSV-1 Glycoprotein D Gene, HSV-2 US5 Gene
Detection Channels:
FAM (HSV-1), Texas Red (HSV-2), Cy5 (Internal Control)

Key Features & Benefits


Simultaneous detection and differentiation

Detect and differentiates HSV-1 and HSV-2 in a single reaction using multiplex Real-Time PCR technology.

High analytical specificity

Type-specific primers and probes ensure precise identification of HSV-1 and HSV-2 targets with minimal cross-reactivity.

Robust internal control system

RNaseP Internal Control in the Cy5 channel validates sample quality, nucleic acid extraction, and amplification efficiency in every run.

Rapid and reliable results

Provides sensitive molecular detection with a Ct cut-off value of ≤35 for confident result interpretation.

Positive and negative controls included

Ensures assay integrity, workflow validation, and contamination monitoring across every PCR run.

Optimised multiplex workflow

Simultaneous detection of HSV-1, HSV-2, and Internal Control reduces turnaround time and reagent consumption.

Excellent workflow compatibility

Validated on multiple leading Real-Time PCR systems including QuantStudio™ 5, Bio-Rad CFX96, LightCycler® 480, and RapiCycler 96.

Ready-to-use reagents

pre-optimised reagents reduce hands-on time, simplify assay setup, and minimise procedural variability.

Applications


  • Clinical & Hospital Laboratories: Supports rapid and accurate molecular detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
  • Sexual Health & STI Screening: Facilitates reliable differentiation of genital herpes infections caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2 in sexually transmitted infection testing programmes.
  • Neonatal & Maternal Care: Enables timely diagnosis of neonatal herpes and supports screening in pregnant women at risk of vertical transmission.
  • Immunocompromised Patient Management: Critical for monitoring HSV infections in transplant recipients, oncology patients, and immunocompromised individuals where infections may become severe or disseminated.
  • Outbreak & Epidemiological Surveillance: Supports molecular surveillance studies and transmission monitoring in high-risk populations and healthcare settings.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Helps distinguish HSV infections from other ulcerative or vesicular diseases with similar clinical presentations.

Analytical Performance


  • Qualitative Real-Time PCR detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA
  • Ct cut-off value: ≤35
  • Simultaneous multiplex detection in FAM, Texas Red, and Cy5 channels
  • Internal Control validates extraction quality and amplification performance
  • Positive Control Ct value: ≤28
  • Ready-to-use multiplex PCR workflow
  • Compatible with major Real-Time PCR platforms
  • 12-month shelf life under recommended storage conditions
  • High specificity with type-specific viral target detection
  • Reliable differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections

Data Analysis and Report


HSV-Amplification

Herpes Simplex Virus Real Time PCR specific amplification plot of HSV 1 Positive Control (FAM Channel) & HSV 2 Positive Control (Texas Red Channel) along with Internal Control (Cy5 Channel)

Ordering Information


Commercial Name Old Cat No. New Cat No. Pack Size
HSV-Q Real-Time PCR Test Kit G2M705221 G610009-1 50 Tests

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Since its inception in 2016, Genes2me has been constantly striving towards setting a benchmark in the diagnostics space by introducing premium quality (Made in India) diagnostic kits which are CE-IVD, ISO-13485:2016, and ISO 9001:2015 certified, assuring our clients of unparalleled quality and compliance with international standards.


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