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| Lab Section Category | |
| Specimen Required |
3-5 ml of whole blood in EDTA |
| Indications |
For detection and quantitative measurement of Epstein-Barr virus DNA. Two orderable tests are available depending on the clinical indication and required blood component:- 1. EBV Quantitative PCR (NPC) – Plasma To assist with the diagnosis, prognostication, and post‑treatment monitoring of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Blood component tested is plasma, which is set up in accordance with the requirements of the RTOG trial NRG-HN0013, and has been successfully harmonized and credentialed for the trial. 2. EBV Quantitative PCR (Non‑NPC) – Whole Blood To assist with diagnosis of acute infectious mononucleosis, EBV viraemia, and post‑transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) etc. Blood component tested is whole blood (including plasma and white blood cells) which is the appropriate component of blood to be tested for these indications, offering greater diagnostic sensitivities. Note: For non‑CPOE or external manual requests, the requested test must be clearly specified. Otherwise, the default assay run will be EBV quantitative PCR (NPC) (plasma). |
| Storage/Transport |
Refrigerate sample until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze. Sample should reach the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours after collection. |
| Method |
Real-time PCR (In-house) |
| Test Results |
Detected (quantity reported in copies/mL), Undetectable or Inconclusive |
| Turnaround Time |
1 - 5 days |
| Day(s) Test Set up |
Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) |
Change History Notes
11 Oct 2024 12:00 AM
Day(s) Test Set-Up is updated.
15 Feb 2023 03:45 PM
Day(s) Test Set-Up is updated.
05 Feb 2021 03:00 PM
Storage and Transportation has been last updated on 05/02/21.
Day(s) Test Set-Up has been last updated on 05/02/21.
06 Jun 2016 02:20 PM
Test Results: Reporting of Test Results has been last updated on 06/06/16.
Turnaround Time: Turnaround Time has been last updated on 06/06/16.
Day(s) Test Set-Up: Day(s) Test Set-Up has been last updated on 06/06/16.
29 Apr 2015 03:00 PM
Day(s) Test Set-Up: Day(s) Test Set-Up has been last updated on 29/04/15.
19 May 2014 04:25 PM
Specimen Required: Specimen Required has been last updated on 19/05/14.
28 Sep 2013 10:30 AM
Day(s) Test Set-Up has been last updated on 28/09/13.
Last Updated - 19 Mar 2026
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