Skip to main content Skip to footer

Eye swab (Herpes only)

About This Test

Department: Virology and Molecular Microbiology

Requirement: conjunctival (eye) swab virus transport medium, use lilac topped Remel tube containing pink liquid)

Turnaround Time: 1-7 working days (urgent samples may be performed same day in house as part of multiplex assay)

Lilac topped Remel tube (NB check label, do not use pink toped Copan e swabs as these will be rejected)


Detection of herpes simplex 1 and 2 DNA


Include details of underlying conditions or immunosuppression


Send in red bag if urgent 

Other Comments:

If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature. Delays of over 48 hours are undesirable

Reference Laboratory UKHSA Manchester