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Test Code
HHV8
Test Name
Human Herpesvirus 8 by Quantitative PCR
CPT Codes
87799
Included Tests
  • Herpesvirus 8 DNA copies/mL
  • Herpesvirus 8 DNA Log copies/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 2 day
Clinical Utility

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is associated with the development of all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, as well as some other rare lymphoproliferative diseases, such as primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric castleman's disease. Quantitative PCR may be used to monitor the level of viremia in a patient, often in the context of therapy.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma or Whole Blood

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA) or Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Separate serum from cells.
  2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).
  3. Specimen source is required.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

48 hours

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

Plasma & serum only: 30 days
Causes for Rejection
  • Green top (sodium or lithium heparin)
Methodology
Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Intervals

See patient report.
Alternate Names
  • Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR
  • HHV-8
  • Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8)
  • Kaposi's Sarcoma
Reference Lab
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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