Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), IgM

Test Number 138529

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CPT

86790

Synonyms

HHV-6 IgM Antibody

Test Details

Methodology

Immunofluorescence (IF)

Result Turnaround Time

1 - 6 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Use

The clinical utility of serological testing for HHV-6 is largely limited to diagnosing infection in immunocompromised individuals and for identifying past infection/exposure to roseola infantum. IgG seroconversion or detection of HHV-6 IgM antibody may indicate a recent primary infection, reactivation or reinfection. Please note that nucleic acid amplification (PCR) is the recommended testing method for diagnosis of active HHV-6 infection.

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 for use in New York state.

Please note that nucleic acid amplification (PCR) is the recommended testing method for diagnosis of active HHV-6 infection.

This assay currently is not available ~~in New York state.~~

This assay currently is not available for use in New York state.

Please note that nucleic acid amplification (PCR) is the recommended testing method for diagnosis of active HHV-6 infection.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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 Requirements

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

Collection Instructions

If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Do not freeze gel-barrier tube (pour off serum first).

Stability Requirements

Temperature	Period
Room temperature	14 days
Refrigerated	14 days
Frozen	14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x3

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate.

Refrigerate