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Test Code QHV6C Human Herpesvirus-6 A and B DNA Detection and Quantification, PCR, Spinal Fluid


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Preferred: Aliquot tube

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen from collection vial 2.

2. Do not centrifuge.


Useful For

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

 

This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

HHV-6 A and B DNA Quant PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

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 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

 

A test result of "<500 copies/mL (<2.70 log copies/mL)" indicates that HHV-6 DNA is detected in the CSF, 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 CSF 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 (ci-HHV-6), and additional testing to rule out ci-HHV-6 may be needed.

 

An "Inconclusive" result indicates that the presence or absence of HHV-6 DNA in the CSF 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.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

4 to 6 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87533

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
QHV6C HHV-6 A and B DNA Quant PCR, CSF 49388-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
622171 HHV6 A DNA Detect/Quant, CSF 49388-2
622172 HHV6 B DNA Detect/Quant, CSF 49388-2

Forms

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