Herpes Virus 7 DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR [19769X]

Test Code
19769


CPT Codes
87798<br><strong>This test is not available for New York patient testing.</strong>

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.3 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma or whole blood collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube


Instructions

Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants. Allow blood to clot at room temperature and separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum to sterile, plastic, screw-capped, aliquot tubes.

Plasma: Collect blood in sterile tubes containing EDTA (lavender-top) as an anticoagulant. Store collected whole blood at room temperature and separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer plasma to sterile, plastic, screw-capped, aliquot tubes. Do not clarify plasma by filtration or further centrifugation. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of specimen.

Do not freeze whole blood.



Transport Container
Transport tube


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Serum or plasma
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Whole blood
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable


Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
This test is used in the diagnosis of human herpesvirus 7 infection. HHV-7 is closely related to HHV-6 and CMV, and can cause reactivation disease in transplant patients or other immune-compromised individuals. PCR may detect infection earlier than immunological methods and provides more rapid results than culture, but does not provide information on past exposure or immunity.


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.