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Test Code HHV6 Human Herpesvirus-6, Molecular Detection, PCR, Plasma

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

HHV-6 PCR, P

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA


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 plastic vial.


Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma EDTA Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Report Available

2 to 5 days

Reference Values

Negative

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.

CPT Code Information

87532

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HHV6 HHV-6 PCR, P 29495-9

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
87532 HHV-6 PCR, P 29495-9

Supportive Data

Accuracy:

A total of 32 plasma specimens and 30 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were spiked with human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) plasmid control at the limit of detection (LOD) (25-50 copies/mcL). The 62 spiked specimens were run in a blinded manner, along with 28 negative (non-spiked) plasma and 30 negative (non-spiked) CSF specimens. Of the spiked specimens, 100% were positive; of the non-spiked specimens, 100% were negative.

 

Analytical Sensitivity/LOD:

The lower LOD of this assay is 25 to 50 DNA target copies per mcL (in plasma).

 

Analytical Specificity:

No polymerase chain reaction signal was obtained from extracts of 25 viral, bacterial, and fungal isolates that can cause similar symptoms as HHV-6 infection.

 

Precision:

Interassay precision was 100% and intra-assay precision was 100%.

 

Reference Range:

Although the reference range is typically "negative" for this assay, this assay may detect viremia in asymptomatic individuals. However, this assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with HHV-6 infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture. This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.

 

Reportable Range:

This is a qualitative assay and results are reported either as negative or positive for targeted HHV-6 DNA.

Forms

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