Home
HelpTest ID: HHV6 Human Herpesvirus-6, Molecular Detection, PCR, Plasma
Reporting Name
HHV-6 PCR, PUseful For
As an adjunct in the rapid diagnosis of human herpesvirus-6 infection using plasma specimens
This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.
Clinical Information
Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a member of the Herpesviridae family. These viruses contain DNA surrounded by a lipid envelope. Among members of this group, this virus is most closely related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HHV-7. As with other members of the herpesvirus group (herpes simplex virus [HSV] 1, HSV 2, varicella-zoster virus, CMV, Epstein-Barr virus, HHV-7, HHV-8), HHV-6 may cause primary and reactivated infections subsequent to latent association with cells.(1) Infection with HHV-6 occurs early in childhood. Most adults (80%-90%) have been infected with this virus.
HHV-6 was first linked with exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) in 1998; since then, the virus has been associated with central nervous system disease almost exclusively in patients who are immunocompromised.(1) HHV-6 is commonly detected in patients posttransplantation. Clinical symptoms associated with this viral infection include febrile illness, pneumonitis, hepatitis, encephalitis, and bone marrow suppression. However, the majority of HHV-6 infections are asymptomatic.(2) The incidence of HHV-7 infection and its clinical manifestations posttransplantation are less well characterized.
HHV-6 is designated as variant A (HHV-6A) or variant B (HH6-B) depending on restriction enzyme digestion patterns and its reaction with monoclonal antibodies. Generally, variant B has been associated with exanthem subitum, whereas variant A has been found in many immunosuppressed patients.(3)
Interpretation
A positive result indicates the presence of specific DNA from human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and supports the diagnosis of infection with this virus.
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable DNA from HHV-6 in the specimen, but it does not negate the presence of the virus or active or recent disease.
Report Available
2 to 5 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Clinical Reference
1. Agut H, Bonnafous P, Gautheret-Dejean A: Laboratory and clinical aspects of human herpesvirus 6 infections. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015 Apr;28(2):313-335
2. De Bolle L, Naesens L, De Clercq E: Update on human herpesvirus 6 biology, clinical features, and therapy. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2005 Jan;18(1):217-245
3. Dockrell DH, Paya CV: Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 in transplantation. Rev Med Virol. 2001 Jan-Feb;11(1):23-36
4. Abdel-Haq NM, Asmar BI: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) infection. Indian J Pediatr. 2004 Jan;71(1):89-96
5. Dockrell DH, Smith TF, Paya CV: Human herpesvirus 6. Mayo Clin Proc. 1999 Feb;74(2):163-170
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Specimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube:
Preferred: Plastic vial
Acceptable: Screw-capped, sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87532
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HHV6 | HHV-6 PCR, P | 29495-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 87532 | HHV-6 PCR, P | 29495-9 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric