Human Herpes Virus 6 PCR

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HH6

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8593

Laboratory Handling

Transport

EDTA: transport to the laboratory at ambient temperature on the day of collection. If same-day transport is not possible, refrigerate the specimen and transport chilled within 5 days 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, Tissue samples, CSF, and other fluid specimens should be sent to Molecular Infectious Diseases section during the normal working hours 8:00 am - 16:00 pm. After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated 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. Biopsies and other fluids: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days

Associated Tests

• Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR Panel (CSF)

Synonyms

Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6) PCR
HHV6 PCR

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test not performed over weekend.

Specimen Type

• CSF
• Tissue
• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• Please refer to Additional Information below

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• Please refer to Additional Information below

Additional Specimen Information

Unspun EDTA whole blood 1 mL. Absolute minimum 0.3 mL.
Submit fresh tissue in sterile normal saline.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE).
CSF sample 1 mL. Absolute minimum 0.3 mL.

For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Sample requirements
EDTA whole blood: minimum 2 mL.
CSF sample 1mL.
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 and CSF: 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 chilled at 2–8°C.
Transport FFPE/PET tissue blocks at ambient temperature.
CSF and fresh tissue chilled at 2–8°C if they will be received within 7 days of collection. If this period will be exceeded, transport frozen.

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

Test Method

Qualitative and Quantitative real time PCR.

Limitations / Interference

Sub-typing of type A and B is not possible with this assay.

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