Laboratory Test Guide

HHV8 PCR, Quantitative

General Information

Lab Name

HHV8 PCR, Quant

Lab Code

HH8QN

Epic Name

HHV8 Quantitative PCR, Blood/CSF

Description

The detection and quantitation of Human Herpesvirus (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (HHV-8, KSHV), by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify the ORF 73 gene. Quantitation of HHV-8 DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying standard curves consisting of serial dilutions of a known number of DNA containing the HHV-8 amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 500 copies/mL (2.70 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 Human Herpes Virus Type 8 by PCR Qualitative Tissue or Cells [HH8QLT].

Synonyms

HH8 PCR, HHV-8, Human Herpes 8 by PCR, Kaposi Sarcoma Virus, KS Virus by PCR, Viral load-HHV8

Components

Code	Name
HH8QNS	HHV8 Spec Descr
HH8QNR	HHV8 Result
HH8LOG	HHV8 DNA Copies/mL (Log 10)
HH8QNI	HHV8 Interp

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 (e.g. BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.

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

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

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

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

Quantity

requested: 1 mL
minimum: 0.5 mL

Processing

Blood: Separate plasma/serum from whole blood within 24 hours of collection. Freeze 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). 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.

CSF: If CSF has cellular material, centrifuge & aliquot clear CSF. Freeze 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). 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: Freeze 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). 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.

Outside Laboratory: Freeze 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.

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