Sign in →

Test Code QHV6P Human Herpesvirus-6 A and B DNA Detection and Quantification, PCR, Plasma


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube:

Preferred: Plastic vial

Acceptable: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.


Secondary ID

619925

Useful For

As an adjunct in the rapid diagnosis of human herpesvirus-6 infection using plasma specimens

 

This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Heparin Reject

Reference Values

Undetected

Interpretation

The quantification range of this assay is 500 to 5,000,000 copies/mL (2.70 log to 6.70 log copies/mL)

 

An "Undetected" test result indicates the absence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA in plasma.

 

A test result of "<500 copies/mL (<2.70 log copies/mL)" indicates that HHV-6 DNA is detected in the plasma, but the assay cannot accurately quantify the level of HHV-6 DNA.

 

A test result of ">5,000,000 copies/mL (>6.70 log copies/mL)" indicates that the HHV-6 DNA level present in plasma is above 5,000,000 copies/mL (6.70 log copies/mL), and the assay cannot accurately quantify the level of HHV-6 DNA. A viral load above 5,000,000 copies/mL should raise suspicion for chromosomally-integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6), and additional testing to rule out ciHHV-6 may be needed.

 

An "Inconclusive" result indicates that the presence or absence of HHV-6 DNA in the plasma specimen could not be determined with certainty after repeat testing in the laboratory, possibly due to inhibition or the presence of an interfering substance. If clinically indicated, submission of a new specimen for testing is recommended.

Method Description

The RealStar HHV-6 (human herpesvirus-6) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Kit 1.0 (Altona Diagnostics) and the Exact Diagnostics HHV6-A/B Verification Panels and controls (Bio-Rad) are utilized for this assay. The assay employs TaqMan hydrolysis probe chemistry, with production of visible amplification curves and associated crossing point (Cp) values; no melting temperature curve is produced. A probe specific for HHV-6A DNA is labeled with the fluorophore FAM and is detected on the 465-510 channel. A probe specific for HHV-6B DNA is labeled with the fluorophore Cy5 and is detected on the 533-580 channel. The probe specific for the Internal Control (IC) is labeled with the fluorophore JOE, is detected on the 618-660 channel, and will be used within the mastermix. Using probes linked to distinguishable dyes enables the parallel detection and differentiation of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA as well as the detection of the IC in corresponding detector channels of the LC480 II instrument. The MagNA Pure 96 instrument (Roche Diagnostics) using the MP96 DNA and Viral NA small volume kit with an input of 200 mcL and a final elution volume of 100 mcL is utilized for viral nucleic acid extraction. The Pathogen Universal 200 protocol is used.(Package insert: RealStar HHV-6 Virus PCR Kit 1.0. Altona Diagnostics; Version 09/2018)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

4 to 6 days

Specimen Retention Time

7 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87533

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
QHV6P HHV-6 A and B DNA Quant PCR, P 49392-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
622169 HHV6 A DNA Detect/Quant, P 49392-4
622170 HHV6 B DNA Detect/Quant, P 49392-4

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.