Beginning today, February 26, 2013, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) DNA Quantitative PCR from CSF will be performed in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, replacing the current mail-out test. Testing is performed using real time PCR. Results are calibrated to the WHO International Standard and will be reported in international units (IU)/mL and are similar in value to prior copies/mL.

This test is intended for the assessment of EBV-associated central nervous system (CNS) disease in patients with suggestive symptoms or radiologic findings; EBV DNA is absent in patients without CNS disease.

Diagnosis of acute infectious mononucleosis should be performed using serologies, orderable as the Epstein Barr Virus Acute Panel (LAB7810).  If the heterophile antibody is negative or if illness has been present for 6 weeks or longer the “Epstein-Barr Virus Full Ab Panel” may be useful (LAB4584).  For monitoring EBV-associated disease such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, order Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Quantitative PCR from blood (LAB7789).

Test: “Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Quantitative PCR, CSF”, LAB7846

Specimen type: CSF, 1 mL minimum, delivered immediately to the lab after collection.

Reference range: Negative

Analytical range in log10 values: 2.77 – 6.47 log IU/mL (600-3,000,000 IU/mL)
Positive results less than 2.77 log IU/mL (600 IU/mL) will be reported as “<2.77 log10 IU/mL (600 IU /mL)”.  Negative results will be reported as “Not detected”.

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Aaron Bossler, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Molecular Pathology (ext. 4-9566) or Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Associate Medical Director of Microbiology (ext. 6-2990).