Epstein Barr Virus DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR (EBVPCR)

Test Code

LAB2987

Quest Code

34179

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL
>3 cubic mm

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: Submit in a sterile, plastic container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Tissue: Submit in a sterile, plastic container and transport frozen.

Do not freeze whole blood.

Transport Container

EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

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

Setup Schedule

AM Mon, wed, fri

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-Chantilly VA

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151-2228

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.