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

Test Code

HHV8PCRQL

Quest Code

15873

Alias/See Also

15873X

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen -20 °C: 30 days
Frozen -70 °C: Unacceptable

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

Samples collected in sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube

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 FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1-2 days

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

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

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.