Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR [19803X]

Test Code
19803

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen
0.7 mL serum, or
0.7 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens
Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

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
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.

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.