Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
EBLD
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8031
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
A dedicated specimen (i.e. no other tests to be performed) is required for this assay.
Registration
If an FBC and Molecular testing are both requested and only one EDTA tube is received, prioritise the specimen for FBC testing and forward a “Query Correct Specimen” form to VIM. If both a microtainer specimen and a full EDTA tube are received for FBC and Molecular testing, send the microtainer specimen for FBC testing and the full EDTA tube for Molecular testing.
Separating
Unspun EDTA whole blood.
Laboratory
Do the spin the EDTA blood tubes. Samples should be sent to Molecular Infectious Diseases section during the normal working hours 8:00 am - 16:00 pm. During weekend and afterhours store, the samples at 2–8°C. in dedicated box/rack in ALSS.
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
EBV Viral Load
EBV Quantitative PCR
Epstein-Barr Virus Quantitative PCR
Turnaround Time
3 days
Test is not performed on weekends.
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
Please note: EBV viral load testing is routinely performed on EDTA whole blood. If plasma EBV viral load testing is clinically required, this must be specifically stated on the request form. A minimum of 500 µL plasma, separated from an EDTA whole blood tube or collected in a PPT tube, is required.
Last updated: 31/08/2026