EBV Quantitative by PCR

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General Information

Lab Name
EBV Quant by PCR
Lab Code
EBVQ
Epic Ordering
EBV Quantitative PCR, Blood/CSF
Description

The detection and quantitation of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers in this EBV PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the EBER1-A and EBER1-B encoding gene with the same efficiency. The EBER1 probes are labeled with different reporter dyes. Quantitation of EBV DNA (IU/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the EBV amplicons. Results are reported in copies per milliliter (IU/mL) Log 10. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 250 copies/mL (2.40 log 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 EBV by PCR Qualitative, Tissue /Cells [EBVQLT].

For Dried Blood Spot, see EBV Quant by PCR, Blood Spots [EBVBSQ].

Synonyms
Epstein Barr by PCR Quant, Viral load-EBV, Viral load-Epstein Barr
Components

Interpretation

Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Reference Range
See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood, CSF, Eye Fluid or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g., BAL, or Washing)
Collection

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube. Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

CSF: 1 mL in sterile container.

Eye Fluid: 50 µL in sterile container. Unacceptable Samples: Do not send syringe with needle. Only send syringe or transfer fluid to 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.

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

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL (except Eye Fluid)

Handling Instructions
Quantity
requested: 1 mL (Eye fluid 50 µL)
minimum: 0.5 mL (Eye fluid 50 µL)

Processing

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.

Eye 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). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection if stored at 2-8°C. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Transport Temperature

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

Frequency
Tuesday and Friday.
Available STAT?
No

Billing & Coding

CPT codes
87799
LOINC
32585-2