Laboratory Test Guide

HHV6 Quantitative by PCR

General Information

Lab Name

HHV6 _ PCR Quant

Lab Code

HH6QN

Epic Name

HHV6 Quantitative PCR, Blood/CSF

Description

The detection and quantitation of Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the UL27 and small capsid protein with the same efficiency. Quantitation of HHV-6 DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying in each run standard curves consisting of serial dilutions of a known number of DNA containing the HHV-6 amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 250 copies/mL (2.40 log copies/mL). Results are reported in copies per milliliter (copies/mL).

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow, Swab, or Cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing), see HHV6 Qualitative by PCR, Tissue /Cells [HH6QLT].

For HH6 Chromosomal Integration and Typing testing, see Human Herpes 6 Virus Chromosome Integration and Typing [HH6ABC].

For HH6 Chromosomal Integration and Typing reflex testing, see HHV6 PCR Quant w/reflex to HHV6 Chromosome Integration [HH6RFX].

Synonyms

Herpes Type 6 by PCR, HHV-6, Human Herpes Virus Type 6 by PCR, PCR-HHV6

Components

Code	Name
HH6QNS	HHV6 Specimen Descr._PCR Quant
HH6QNR	HHV6 Result_PCR Quant
HH6LOG	HH6 DNA Copies/mL (Log 10)
HH6QNI	HHV6 Interpretation_PCR Quant

Interpretation

Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Reference Range

See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood, CSF, Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing)

Collection

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube.

CSF: 1 mL in sterile container.

Clear non-cellular fluid (ex: BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.

Also Acceptable: 3 mL blood in GOLD SST, RED, or PEARL TOP (PPT) tube.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture or Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

Quantity

requested: 1 mL
minimum: 0.5 mL

Processing

Blood: Separate plasma from whole blood within 24 hours of collection. Freeze plasma at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection. Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Clear non-cellular fluid (BAL or Washing): Freeze at -10°C or colder. Ship samples on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection. Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Virology, Eastlake (EVIR)

Performing Location(s)

Other	Virology, Molecular 206-685-6656 Virology Laboratory, Ste 320 1616 Eastlake Ave E. Seattle, WA 98102