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Microbiology

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Human herpes viruses 6, 7, 8 (HHV6, HHV7, HHV8)

Blood viral load PCR for Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6), HHV7 and HHV8 can be carried out by reference laboratories.

Please discuss with Microbiology medical staff.

HHV-6 is also included in the CSF the BioFire FilmArray® multiplex PCR - see Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Sample type

HHV PCR:

Plasma

Specimen requirements

HHV PCR

Blood in EDTA

Minimum volume

0.5ml

Frequency of test

Referred

Turnaround time

UKHSA Regional Laboratory @ Bristol HHV6 PCR TAT - 10 working days

UKHSA Virus Reference Laboratory @ Colindale HHV7 and HHV8 PCR TAT - 21 working days

What to request on EPR

This test requires discussion with Microbiology medical staff

Last reviewed:17 February 2023

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