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Human Herpes Virus 6 IgM (Southeast Michigan Only)

Herpesvirus 6 Antibody (IgM), HHV6, Roseola, HHV-6 IgM, HHV-6 (Human Herpesvirus-6) IgM Antibodies

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231221, Beaker: XHV6M, ARUP: 3001284

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.1 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.1 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratory in Salt Lake City, UT. Forwarded to Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease, San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Performed

Varies.
Results available in 4-8 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA).

Interpretation

Detection of IgG and/or IgM antibodies to HHV-6 is observed only in primary, reactivated, or persistent infections which are common in the herpesvirus family. Paired testing of acute/convalescent sera is recommended, if clinically indicated.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of infection/exposure to roseola infantum and other HHV-6 infections. This assay may also be useful in the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clinical Disease

HHV-6 is the causative agent of roseola infantum. Roseola is characterized by the abrupt onset of a high fever which is followed in 2-4 days by erthematous maculopapular rash that lasts for 1-2 days. Roseola lesions are macular or papular and never become vesicular like the lesions associated with VZV or HSV. Lesions typically appear on the neck and back and then spread to the abdomen and thighs. The syndrome is self-limiting but convulsions associated with high fever can cause permanent neurologic injury. Atypical roseola can occur in the absence of rash (1).

Epidemiology

HHV-6 infections are common and the virus has been found throughout the world. HHV-6 infections can occur in all age groups. Infection is most often acquired before three years of age. HHV-6 is the causative agent of roseola in children. Roseola is a common infection of infancy and the peak incidence of roseola occurs between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Infants less than 6 months are thought to be protected by maternal antibodies. Adults who become infected are often only mildly symptomatic (1).

Incubation Period

5-15 days (1).

Transmission

Transmission of HHV-6 is poorly understood. It is thought that the virus is transmitted after contact with oral secretions (1).

Reference

1. Wiedbrauk D, Johnston SLG. Manual of Clinical Virology, Raven Press, New York,NY, 1993.

CPT Codes

86790
LOINC:  33942-4, 25417-7

Contacts

Last Updated

10/31/2024