Effective Monday, March 12, 2012, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory will institute Hepatitis E virus detection using PCR. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted by the fecal-oral route and causes sporadic and epidemic forms of acute hepatitis.

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

Please use EPIC order code Lab7622.

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Aaron Bossler, MD, PhD (ext. 4-9566) or Stacey Klutts, MD, PhD (ext. 6-2990).