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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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PARVOVIRUS B19 DNA, QL REAL TIME PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2816    Geisinger Epic ID:  17685

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

EDTA whole blood, EDTA plasma, serum, tissue, or amniotic fluid.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile specimen container
Sterile screw-cap tube
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

1 mL (minimum 0.3 ml) whole blood, plasma, serum, amniotic fluid, or 3 mm3 tissue.


Special notes: 

Whole blood: Collected in EDTA (lavender-top) tube. Do not freeze whole blood. 
Plasma: Collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Amniotic fluid: Collect in a sterile, leakproof container.
Tissue: Collect in a sterile, leakproof container. 
Serum: Collect in red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and aliquot plasma and serum.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Whole blood: Room temperature: 48 hours, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: Unacceptable. All other specimens: Room temperature: 48 hours, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 30 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Heparinized specimens are not acceptable. Stability limits exceeded. CSF, bone marrow, and synovial fluid are not acceptable. Hemolyzed whole blood unacceptable.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  87798
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Parvovirus B19 DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR.


Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

PRVD, Parvovirus B19 DNA PCR, Quest test code 5319


Clinical significance: 

Parvovirus B19 infection causes "Fifth Disease," a rash illness of childhood characterized by a bright red "slapped check" rash and a lacy rash on the trunk and limbs. Joint pain and swelling is more common in adults. Individuals with chronic hemolytic anemia such as sickle cell anemia may develop transient aplastic crisis with severe anemia. Immunocompromised individuals may develop chronic or recurrent bone marrow suppression. Infection during pregnancy can lead to fetal hydrops and spontaneous abortion. DNA testing in conjunction with B19 specific serology provides the most reliable evidence of a recent infection.


Review Date:  12/17/2024

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