Epstein-Barr Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

EVBPC

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Body fluids (amniotic fluid, ocular fluid), lower respiratory specimens (BAL, bronchial wash, tracheal secretions) collected in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container

Instructions

CSF: Collect in a sterile, plastic container and store refrigerated or frozen

Tissue: Collect in a sterile, plastic container and transport frozen

Do not freeze whole blood

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)
Tissue: Frozen

Specimen Stability

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

All other specimens
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

Hemolyzed whole blood • Heparin whole blood

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

Not detected

Clinical Significance

Infection with EBV is common and is generally subclinical or presents as a self-limited illness. Reactivation of latent EBV in an immunocompromised person can lead to more serious results, including lymphoproliferative disorders or neurological disease. PCR methods may be useful in identifying EBV in a variety of clinical specimens.

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

Last Updated: February 22, 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.