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Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) Antibodies, IgG

Test Number 161075
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CPT

86790
Synonyms
  • HHV-6, IgG Antibodies
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  • Updated on 03/17/2025

Test Details

Methodology

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

Result Turnaround Time

2 - 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.

Related Documents

Use

The clinical utility of serological testing for HHV-6 is largely limited to diagnosing infection in immunocompromised individuals and for indentifying 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. This assay is a qualitative assay and as such the numeric result provided does not equate to an antibody titer.

Aid in the diagnosis of past infection/exposure to roseola infantum; may be useful in diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

The clinical utility of serological testing for HHV-6 is largely limited to diagnosing infection in immunocompromised individuals and for indentifying 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. This assay is a qualitative assay and as such the numeric result provided does not equate to an antibody titer.

Special Instructions

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

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

Limitations

This procedure may be considered by Medicare and other carriers as investigational and, therefore, may not be payable as a covered benefit for patients.

References

Huang LM, Lee CY, Lin KH, et al. Human herpesvirus-6 associated with fatal haemophagocytic syndrome. Lancet. 1990 Jul 7; 336(8706):60-61. (letter) 1973248
Suga S, Yoshikawa T, Asano Y, Yazaki T, Hirata S. Human herpesvirus-6 infection (exanthem subitum) without rash. Pediatrics. 1989 Jun; 83(6):1003-1006. 2542875
Wakefield D, Lloyd A, Dwyer J, Salahuddin SZ, Ablashi DV. Human herpesvirus-6 and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Lancet. 1988 May 7; 1(8593):1059. 2896906
Yamanishi K, Okuno T, Shiraki K, et al. Identification of human herpesvirus-6 as a causal agent for exanthema subitum. Lancet. 1988 May 14; 1(8594):1065-1067. 2896909

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).

Specimen should be free of bacterial contamination, hemolysis, and lipemia.

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

TemperaturePeriod
Room temperature14 days
Refrigerated14 days
Frozen14 days
Freeze/thaw cyclesStable x4

Reference Range

• Negative: <0.90 index

• Equivocal: 0.90−1.10 index

• Positive: >1.10 index

 

• Negative: <0.90 index

• Equivocal: 0.90−1.10 index

• Positive: >1.10 index

Fourfold rises in titer are suggestive of either recent, primary, or reactivated infection. The presence of elevated titers to HHV-6 in the absence of responses to HAV, HBV, CMV, and EMV suggests that titer results are associated with high specificity.

• Negative: <0.90 index

• Equivocal: 0.90−1.10 index

• Positive: >1.10 index

 

Storage Instructions

Room temperature

Causes for Rejection

Hemolysis; lipemia; gross bacterial contamination

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
161075 HHV 6 IgG Antibodies 41148-8 161076 HHV 6 IgG Antibodies index 41148-8
Order Code161075
Order Code NameHHV 6 IgG Antibodies
Order Loinc41148-8
Result Code161076
Result Code NameHHV 6 IgG Antibodies
UofMindex
Result LOINC41148-8