EBV by PCR Qualitative, Tissue /Cells

The detection 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. Detection 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). Results are reported as “positive” or “not detected”.

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 Blood, CSF, Eye Fluid or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing), see EBV Quantitative by PCR [EBVQ].

Tissue Biopsy: Pea size amount in sterile tube or universal transport media (UTM).

Paraffin Tissue: DO NOT SEND ENTIRE BLOCK and DO NOT SEND SLIDES. Slice 3-4 slices that are 5-50 micron thick in sterile tube.

Cellular fluid: 1 mL in sterile tube.

Unacceptable samples: Buffy coat collected with heparin syringe. Paraffin slides.

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

Bone Marrow: Send 5 mL bone marrow in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube to Laboratory at room temperature within 24 hours of collection.

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

Tissue Biopsy: 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.

Paraffin Tissue: Ship at room temperature.

Bone Marrow: Ship at room temperature within 24 hours of collection.

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:

Buffy coat: Separate buffy coat from bone marrow within 24 hours of collection, Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice.

Tissue/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. 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.