EBV Quantitative by PCR

Blood (EDTA Plasma)

The UW Clinical Virology Laboratory in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology incorporates the modified FDA approved Roche cobas® EBV Quantitative assay for the rapid detection of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) using real-time PCR amplification.

The lower limit of detection, LoD (the minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates), is 18.8 IU/mL, and the lower limit of quantitation (LLoQ) is 35.0 IU/mL.

The Roche cobas® EBV assay uses primers specific for EBNA-1 gene and the BMRF gene and is FDA approved for EDTA plasma.

Serum, Sterile Body Fluids or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing). The performance characteristics of the test were determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. The modified version has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow, or Cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing), see EBV by PCR Qualitative, Tissue /Cells [EBVQLT].

Blood: EDTA plasma, PPT, Red top or SST

Sterile Body Fluid: 1 mL in sterile container.

Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin. No urine samples.

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

Freshly drawn whole blood specimens may be held at 2 to 25°C for up to 24 hours prior to plasma/serum preparation through centrifugation.

Sterile Body Fluids or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing) may be held at 2-8°C for up to 48 hours of collection.

Blood: Centrifugation upon arrival, remove plasma from cells.

Plasma specimens may be stored and/or transported:

• 2 to 8°C for up to 6 days
• -15°C to -80°C for up to 6 months

Sterile Body Fluid: If sterile body fluid has cellular material, centrifuge & aliquot clear sterile body fluid. Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is unavailable, 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.

Outside Laboratory: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is unavailable, 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.