Beginning Monday, October 22nd, 2012, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) DNA Quantitative PCR will be performed in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, replacing the mail-out test currently referred to ARUP Laboratories. Testing is performed using real time PCR. The required specimen type is an EDTA anti-coagulated (pink or lavender top) tube.

This test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers as an indicator of disease prognosis. This test is also used as an aid in accessing viral response to treatment as measured by changes in EBV DNA levels.

EBV PCR should not be used to diagnose or confirm primary or reactivated mononucleosis (use serologies, orderable as the "Epstein-Barr Virus Ab Panel").

Specimen type: EDTA anti-coagulated (pink or lavender top) tube, 2 ml minimum
Specimens stored at 4°C will be accepted up to 72 hours after collection. A dedicated specimen tube is required.

Reference range: Negative

Analytical range in log10 values: 2.70 – 8.48 log IU/ml (500-300,000,000 IU/ml)
Results are calibrated to the WHO International Standard and will be reported in international units (IU)/ml which are comparable to the previously reported copies/ml. Results will also be reported in log transformed values IU/ml.  
Positive results less than 2.70 log IU/ml (500 IU/ml) will be reported as <2.70 log10 IU/ml Negative results will be reported as “Not detected”. 

Please use EPIC order code LAB7789.

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Aaron Bossler, MD, PhD  (ext. 4-9566), Bradley Ford, MD, PhD (ext. 6-2990), or Dan Diekema, MD (ext. 4-5626).