Test Overview
Test Methodology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Test Usage
HHV-8 is also known as Kaposi Sarcoma, a malignancy of the skin. HHV-8 is not ubiquitous like most other herpesviruses. The distribution of HHV-8 is related to a combination of geographic factors and behavioral risk factors. Primary infection of HHV-8 in immunocompromised children is associated with fever and maculopapular rash. Numerous studies have documented the risk of developing KS among organ transplant recipients and patients taking immunesuppressive drugs.
Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time
2 - 5 days
Soft Order Code
VHV8B
MiChart Code
HHV-8 DNA by PCR, Blood
Synonyms
- VBHHV8
- HHV-8 DNA qPCR, Blood
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Viracor Eurofins 8016
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen in a lavender top (EDTA) tube. Send intact specimen at room temperature
Alternate Specimen
Acceptable specimen types (1/23/12): BAL, bronch wash, CSF, fecal, tissue, trach asp, trach wash which would all be ordered as an "SO".
Normal Volume
2 mL EDTA whole blood
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL EDTA whole blood
Storage Temperature
Ambient preferred, but if specimen will not be received by Viracor within 96 hours, the whole blood specimen can be frozen.
Rejection Criteria
Specimen must be received by Viracor within 96 hours of collection, if shipping ambient
Additional Information
Test sent to Viracor Eurofins.
Billing
CPT Code
87799
Fee Code
36124