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Test Code LAB7129 Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) DNA Detection by PCR

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Molecular Infectious Disease Laboratory.

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) performed on the DiaSorin Liaison MDX.   

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Whole blood collected in Lavender-top/EDTA tube (processed as plasma) or CSF
 

Collection Procedure:

Plasma

For BJH Patients:  Call Laboratory Medicine resident at digital pager 314-747-1320 for approval before drawing the specimen.

  1. Draw blood into lavender-top/EDTA tube. Avoid hemolysis.
  2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

 

CSF

  1. Aseptically collect ≥1 mL of CSF.
  2. Place in a leak-proof screw-capped, sterile container.
  3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
  4. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen.

For BJH Patients: Laboratory medicine resident review and approval is required for CSF specimen requests.

 

 

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

 

Turnaround Time:
STAT: not available
Routine: 3-5 days, Final report available the day of testing

Test Classification and CPT Coding

Test Classification:
This assay utilizes ASR’s (analyte specific reagents) and is not FDA cleared.  This test was developed and its performance has been evaluated by the Barnes Jewish Molecular Infectious Disease Laboratory for performance on CSF and plasma.

Assay Limit of Detection:

Plasma:  500 copies/mL for HHV-6A and HHV-6B

CSF: 500 copies/mL for HHV-6A and HHV-6B

Limitations:

  1. The detection of viral nucleic acid is dependent upon proper sample collection, transport, handling and storage. Failure to observe proper procedures in any one of these steps can lead to incorrect results.
  2. False-negative results may occur if the viruses are present at a level that is below the analytical sensitivity of the assay or if the virus has genomic mutations, insertions, deletions, or rearrangements or if performed very early in the course of illness.
  3. Most adults have been exposed to HHV-6 at some point during their lifetime and can transiently have detectable virus from different sample types with or without symptomatology.  Positive results should be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.

 

CPT Code:

87532

Reference Values

Negative

Specimen Transport Temperature

Plasma- Ambient/Refrigerate/Frozen OK

CSF- Ambient/Refrigerate/Frozen OK

Refrigerated specimens must be tested within 7 days
Frozen specimens must be tested within 30 days

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

Minimum Volume:

Plasma: 0.5mL
CSF: 0.5 mL
 

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
BJH Microbiology will forward to the performing laboratory.