Molecular Detection by PCR

Detection of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) by conventional PCR.

• Kaposi's sarcoma

Whole blood, serum or plasma.  Minimum volume required for either whole blood, serum or plasma is 1.0 mL.

Submit whole blood, serum or plasma in a sterile microcentrifuge tube.

Store whole blood samples refrigerated until shipped for testing.  Ship whole blood on wet ice. Store plasma or serum samples frozen until shipped for testing.  Ship plasma or serum frozen on dry ice. 

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected Human Herpesvirus-8 infection.

Completed Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens requisition, including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient name or identifier (referring specimen lab #), date of birth, test(s) requested. Indicate the type of specimen and date collected.

N/A

Detection of HHV-8 DNA using nested PCR.

21 calendar days.

Spira TJ, Lam L, Dollard SC, et al. (2000) Comparison of serologic assays and PCR for diagnosis of human herpesvirus 8 infection. J Clin Microbiol 38(6):2174-80.