Detection of herpes simplex virus by the Kodak SureCell Herpes Test

Abstract

The Kodak SureCell Herpes Test Kit (SC-HSV) was evaluated in a high-risk sexually transmitted disease clinic population. A total of 97 lesion specimens (from 94 patients) were tested for the presence of herpes simplex virus by SC-HSV and by spin-amplified tissue culture confirmed by an enzyme immunoassay. The overall sensitivity of SC-HSV compared with that of spin-amplified tissue culture-enzyme immunoassay was 81.1%; the specificity was 100%. For vesicular lesions only, SC-HSV sensitivity was 100%; for nonvesicular lesions, sensitivity was 75.6%, SC-HSV was rapid (less than 15 min) and very easy to perform.