Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

HV7DQ

CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen

1 mL whole blood or 1 mL serum or 1 mL CSF

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Instructions

Do not freeze whole blood

Transport Container

Transport tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

All other specimens
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Samples collected in lithium or sodium heparin

Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day

Report Available

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day

Reference Range

500 copies/mL

Clinical Significance

This test is used in the diagnosis of human herpesvirus 7 infection. HHV-7 is closely related to HHV-6 and CMV, and can cause reactivation in transplant patients or other immune-compromised individuals. PCR may detect infection earlier than immunologial methods and provides more rapid results than culture, but does not provide information on past exposure or immunity. Quantitative measurement may provide information on disease regression.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: February 23, 2012

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.