A clinical study done within Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital NHS trusts, was aimed at assessing the compatibility of SIGMA-VIROCULT® viral transport swab (Medical Wire and Equipment) for the detection of HSV–1 and HSV–2 on both the BD Max™ and Smartcycler® automated platforms.

Herpes simplex virus-1, (HSV-) and Herpes simplex virus-2, (HSV-2) cause common, self-resolving infections of the skin or mucosa. Classic HSV-1 and HSV-2 clinical findings are described as painful grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, usually with ulcerated and crusted lesions. Both viruses may subsequently reactivate to cause recurrent disease in the face of existing immunity. Generally, HSV-1 has been associated with oro-labial disease, and HSV-2 with genital disease, however, it is possible for HSV-2 to cause oro-labial herpes and HSV-1 to cause genital herpes.

The results of this evaluation demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity between both methods. Within Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital NHS Trust they now exclusively use the SIGMA-VIROCULT® viral transport swab with the BD Max™ system. These swabs have proven to be effective and an easy-to-use transport system.