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

Test Code

19798

CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen

1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) tube OR
1 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-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: 30 days

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

Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • 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

Clinical Significance

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is associated with the development of all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, as well as some other rare lymphoproliferative diseases, such as primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric castleman's disease. Quantitative PCR may be used to monitor the level of viremia in a patient, often in the context of therapy.

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.