Human Herpes Virus 6 PCR
Clinical Background:
This test is used in CSF to diagnose HHV6 associated encephalitis. This is commonest in young children and the immunocompromised. A positive result can be an incidental finding as 1% of the populat...
This test is used in CSF to diagnose HHV6 associated encephalitis. This is commonest in young children and the immunocompromised. A positive result can be an incidental finding as 1% of the population carry HHV6 DNA integrated within their chromosomes - this can be excluded by sending an EDTA blood for further testing. HHV6 can also cause other organ-specific or systemic infection in immunocompromised patients. In these cases infection is normally diagnosed by HHV6 PCR on a blood sample. This assay differentiates two closely related viruses; HHV6A and HHV6B. The subtype does not affect interpretation of the result or clinical management.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Blood - EDTA
Blood - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Blood - EDTA, CSF
Blood - EDTA, CSF
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
External Quality Assurance Scheme
External Quality Assurance Scheme
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Reference Ranges:
None available
None available
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C