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HelpTest Code EVBPC Epstein-Barr Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR
Specimen Required
1 mL whole blood or 1 mL serum or 1 mL CSF
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability
Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimens
Room temperature: 48
hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rejection Due To
Hemolyzed whole blood • Heparin whole blood
Report Available
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Collection Container / Tube
Preferred: EDTA (lavender-top
Other Acceptable Container: Potassium PPT
EDTA (white-top), or ACD solution A or B (yellow-top) tube 1 mL
CSF bronchoalveolar lavage, or urine
collected in a leak-proof container 1 mL serum
Transport / Storage Conditions
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Tissue: Frozen
Special Instructions
CSF: Collect in a
sterile, plastic container and store refrigerated or frozen.
Tissue: Collect in a sterile, plastic container
and transport frozen.
Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of specimens. Do not
freeze whole blood.
Reference Values
Not detected
Day(s) Performed
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day
CPT Codes
87798
Clinical Reference
Infection with EBV is common and is generally subclinical or presents as a self-limited illness. Reactivation of latent EBV in an immunocompromised person can lead to more serious results, including lymphoproliferative disorders or neurological disease. PCR methods may be useful in identifying EBV in a variety of clinical specimens.