Specimen:

Whole Blood and CSF

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Adult preferred minimum: 5 mL whole blood from lavender top (EDTA) tube
Adult absolute minimum: 3 mL whole blood from lavender top (EDTA) tube
Pediatric minimum: 1 mL whole blood from lavender top (EDTA) tube
CSF minimum:  0.5 mL

Testing
Schedule:

Batch analysis performed daily Monday through Friday. Sample must be 
received by the Molecular Pathology Laboratory by 1300 for same day 
testing.  Specimens received on the weekend are analyzed on Monday. For 
additional services, contact Clinical Pathology Resident on-call at 
pager #3404.

Analytic Time:

1-4 days

Reference Range:

Negative
Reportable linear range of 200 - 2,000,000 copy/mL

Comments:

Specimens stored at 4 degrees C will be accepted up to 72 hours after 
collection.  Batch analysis performed daily Monday through Friday. 
Sample must be received by the Molecular Pathology Laboratory by 1300 
for same day testing.

Methodology:

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Instructions:

Sample Processing;
Collect one 5 ml Lavender (EDTA) tube
Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 1600 x g within 4 hours of collection.
Aseptically enter the tube and aliquot plasma into sterile RNase and 
DNase free tubes.
Store at 2-8 degrees C for 72 hours or -20 to -80 degrees C long term

For CSF specimens aliquot into RNase and DNase free tubes and store at 
2-8 degrees C for 72 hour s or -20 to -80 degrees C for long term.

Transport Instructions:
Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

CPT Code:

87497