The present invention provides methods of unambiguously identifying a human herpesvirus in a sample. The assays, which allow for the detection and typing of all ten human herpesviruses, involve multiplex PCR assays using consensus primers to amplify conserved regions of the herpesvirus DNA. A dot blot/chemiluminescence assay and real time PCR assay ideal for clinical setting were disclosed. A heteroduplex mobility assay suitable for uses in research laboratory was also presented.