Human Herpes Virus 8 PCR

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HHV8

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8012

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

A dedicated specimen (i.e. no other tests to be performed) is required for this assay.

Transport

EDTA: transport to the laboratory at ambient temperature on the day of collection.

Registration

If an FBC and Molecular testing are both requested and only one EDTA tube is received, send the specimen for FBC testing and forward a “Query Correct Specimen” form to VIM. If both a micro EDTA specimen and a full EDTA tube are received for FBC and Molecular testing, send the micro EDTA specimen for FBC testing and the full EDTA tube for Molecular testing.

Separating

Unspun EDTA whole blood

Laboratory

EDTA whole blood should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section at ambient temperature on the day of collection during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, specimens should be stored at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack.

Sample Stability

EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.

Synonyms

HHV8 PCR
Human Herpes Virus 8 PCR
Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) Nucleic Acid Detection

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test not performed over weekend.

Specimen Type

• Biopsy
• Tissue
• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• N/A

Additional Specimen Information

Kaposi sarcoma biopsy
Fresh tissue: submit in sterile normal saline.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block.

For any other specimen type like CSF and body fluids, please contact Clinical Virologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before requesting testing.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Sample requirements
EDTA whole blood: minimum 2 mL.
Fresh tissue: submit in sterile normal saline.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block.

Sample stability
EDTA whole blood: stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.
Fresh tissue: stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days, should be frozen after 7 days.
FFPE/PET tissue blocks: store at ambient temperature.

Transport:
Transport EDTA whole blood and fresh tissue chilled at 2–8°C.
Transport FFPE/PET tissue blocks at ambient temperature.

For any other specimen type, please contact Clinical Virologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before sending.

Test Method

Qualitative and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the minor capsid protein gene, open reading frame 26 (ORF26).

Uncertainty of Measurement

+/- 0.01 log copies/ml

Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Virology via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Contact Information