Test Details
Methodology
Immunofluorescence (IF)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 6 days
Use
The detection of anti-HHV-6 IgM or a fourfold rise in anti-HHV-6 IgG supports a clinical diagnosis of HHV-6 infection. Human IgM antibodies to HHV-6 antigens are detected by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay. Diluted serum is incubated on a slide containing infected T-lymphoblasts. If specific HHV-6 antibodies are present, they remain bound, are then labeled by an antibody conjugate and finally detected by fluorescence microscopy.
Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a distinct herpes virus that typically causes a self-limiting illness in patients who are not immunocompromised. In some patients, especially if immunocompromised, HHV-6 can cause febrile convulsions in infants, encephalitis mononucleosis-like symptoms, and hepatitis.
Special Instructions
This assay currently is not available in New York state.
Specimen Requirements
Limitations
IgM antibody only appears during an active infection or for 2-3 months after an active infection. However, the absence of an IgM antibody does not mean the patient does not have an active infection. Chronic infections in various tissues can persist with no evidence of IgM.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138529 | Human Herpes Virus Type 6 IgM | 25417-7 | 139587 | Human Herpes Virus Type 6 IgM | 25417-7 | |
| Order Code | 138529 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Human Herpes Virus Type 6 IgM | |||||
| Order Loinc | 25417-7 | |||||
| Result Code | 139587 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Human Herpes Virus Type 6 IgM | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 25417-7 |