What is in the HSV Detection Kit

The TRUPCR® HSV 1/2 Detection Kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification test for detecting HSV-1 and HSV-2 from clinical specimens such as swabs or lesion exudates. Each kit includes:

• Premixed reagents for real-time PCR
• HSV-1 target detected via FAM channel
• HSV-2 target detected via HEX channel
• Internal control (IC) detected via Texas Red channel

This configuration allows simultaneous detection and differentiation of both HSV types within a single reaction tube. The multiplex design reduces error risk and improves laboratory efficiency.

Role of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Disease

Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2 are double-stranded DNA viruses from the Herpesviridae family. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected mucosa, lesions, or during birth (perinatal).

• HSV-1 is primarily associated with oral infections such as gingivostomatitis and keratoconjunctivitis, but can also cause encephalitis.
• HSV-2 is typically responsible for genital herpes, vulvovaginitis, and in severe cases, neonatal herpes or meningitis.

While most HSV infections are asymptomatic—up to 90% in primary infections—clinical manifestations can range from mild lesions to severe neurological complications.

About the TRUPCR® HSV 1/2 Detection Kit

The TRUPCR® HSV Detection Kit provides an accurate tool for identifying and differentiating between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Built for clinical settings, it is ideal for medical microbiology and molecular diagnostics labs.

Its performance has been validated with various DNA extraction kits and real-time PCR platforms, including ABI 7500, StepOne Plus, QuantStudio™, Biorad CFX96™, Rotor-Gene 6000, and more. This broad compatibility makes it easy to implement in diverse lab environments.

The kit employs a “hot-start” Taq polymerase to minimize non-specific reactions and ensure high specificity, even with low viral loads.

Principle and Workflow

The core principle of the kit is based on real-time amplification of conserved genomic regions of HSV using fluorescent dye-labeled probes. Here’s how it works:

1. DNA Extraction from clinical samples
2. Multiplex PCR Reaction with HSV-1, HSV-2, and internal control
3. Real-Time Monitoring of fluorescence increase with each cycle
4. Data Interpretation via threshold cycle (Ct) values

The kit’s design ensures accurate, reproducible results with simple setup and no need for specialized training.

Clinical Application

In a clinical laboratory setting, rapid and accurate HSV detection is vital for:

• Diagnosing primary or recurrent herpes infections
• Screening asymptomatic patients
• Managing pregnant patients or neonatal risk cases
• Supporting differential diagnosis of encephalitis or meningitis

Because of its qualitative design and robust internal control, the TRUPCR® HSV 1/2 Detection Kit offers reliable performance for both high-throughput screening and focused diagnostic workflows.

This assay supports compliance with quality management standards in diagnostic laboratories and enhances confidence in patient result interpretation.