HHV8 PCR, Quantitative

The detection and quantitation of Human Herpesvirus (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (HHV-8, KSHV), by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify the ORF 73 gene. Quantitation of HHV-8 DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying standard curves consisting of serial dilutions of a known number of DNA containing the HHV-8 amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 500 copies/mL (2.70 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.

For Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow, Swab, or Cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing), see Human Herpes Virus Type 8 by PCR Qualitative Tissue or Cells [HH8QLT].

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube.

CSF: 1 mL in 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.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

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

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

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.

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). 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.