Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This test is used in CSF to diagnose HHV6 associated encephalitis. This is commonest in young children and the immunocompromised. A positive result can be an incidental finding as 1% of the population carry HHV6 DNA integrated within their chromosomes – this can be excluded by sending an EDTA blood for further testing. HHV6 can also cause other organ-specific or systemic infection in immunocompromised patients. In these cases infection is normally diagnosed by HHV6 PCR on a blood sample. This assay differentiates two closely related viruses; HHV6A and HHV6B. The subtype does not affect interpretation of the result or clinical management.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA blood, CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile plain universal.
Specimen container adult:
EDTA blood, CSF, tissue biopsies in sterile plain universal.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1ml EDTA blood
0.5ml CSF
Minimum volume adult:
5ml EDTA
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 6 days
Quality assurance:
External Quality Assurance Scheme: QCMD
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 43)
Other info:
N/A