Eye Fluid Viral PCR Quant Panel

The detection and quantitation of CMV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real- time PCR from eye fluid.

The detection and quantitation of CMV by real-time PCR. The PCR detects amplicons of the immediate-early (IE) viral protein 1 (IE1, UL123) and Glycoprotein B (gB, UL55) coding regions. Quantitation of CMV DNA (IU/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve at the same efficiency, consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the CMV amplicons. Results are reported in International Units per milliliter (IU/mL). The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 300 IU/mL (2.48 log IU/mL).

The detection and quantitation of Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) by real-time PCR amplification. PCR detects amplicons of the gB gene for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. The two probes used in the reaction, specific either to HSV-1 or HSV-2 are labeled with different reporter dyes. Quantitation of HSV DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the HSV-1 and HSV-2 amplicons. Results are reported in copies per milliliter (copies/mL). The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 250 copies/mL (2.40 log copies/mL).

The detection and quantitation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the ORF62 region. Quantitation of VZV DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve in each run, consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the VZV amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 75 copies/mL (1.88 log copies/mL). Results are reported in copies per milliliter (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.

Eye Fluid: 50 µL in sterile container.

Unacceptable Samples: Do not send syringe with needle. Only send syringe or transfer fluid to sterile container.

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 Laboratories: Ship samples on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection. 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.