Epstein-Barr Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code
34179


CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen
1 mL whole blood or plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top), ACD (yellow-top), PPT-potassium EDTA (white-top) tube, or
1 mL serum, or
1 mL CSF submitted in a sterile plastic leak-proof container, or
> 3 cubic mm fresh tissue submitted in a sterile plastic leak-proof container


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
Tissue: Frozen
All other sample types: Refrigerated (cold packs)


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


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



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.