ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Epstein-Barr Virus, Quantitative PCR : 0051352

Mnemonic: EBV QNT

Ordering Recommendation: Quantify Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load as an aid in monitoring EBV-related disease.
Methodology: Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or serum separator tube. OR CSF.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum or plasma from cells. Transfer 1 mL serum, plasma or CSF to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Remarks: Specimen source required.

Unacceptable Conditions: Whole blood (refer to Epstein-Barr Virus, Quantitative PCR, Whole Blood, ARUP test code 0051353). Heparinized specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 year.

Reference Interval:
Not detected
Interpretive Data: The quantitative range of this assay is 2.6-7.6 log copies/mL (390-39,000,000 copies/mL)

A negative result (less than 2.6 log copies/mL or less than 390 copies/mL) does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen, or EBV DNA nucleic acid in concentrations below the level of detection of the assay. Inhibition may also lead to underestimation of viral quantitation.

No international standard is currently available for calibration of this assay. Caution should be taken when interpreting results generated by different assay methodologies.

See Compliance Statement A: www.aruplab.com/CS
Note: The limit of quantification for this DNA assay is 2.6 log copies/mL (390 copies/mL). If the assay DID NOT DETECT the virus, the test result will be reported as "<2.6 log copies/mL (<390 copies/mL)." If the assay DETECTED the presence of the virus but was not able to accurately quantify the number of copies, the test result will be reported as "Not Quantified."
CPT Code(s): 87799
Cross References: EBVDNA (Epstein-Barr Virus, Quantitative PCR)