Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

15873

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen

1 mL whole blood or plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Transport tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

Lithium heparin (green-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Methodology
Real-Time PCR

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 FDA. 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

Reference Range

Not detected

Clinical Significance

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated with the development of all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma as well as with some other rare lymphoproliferative diseases, such as primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. Qualitative PCR is often used to aid in diagnosis of an HHV-8 infected individual.

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.