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PCR assay for herpesviruses

Eye Care estimated about CNY 400-800

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Description

A molecular diagnostic test using polymerase chain reaction to detect and quantify DNA from herpesviruses including HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and EBV in clinical specimens.

Main Uses

Diagnosis of acute or reactivated herpesvirus infections (HSV-1/2, VZV, EBV); monitoring viral load in immunocompromised patients; differentiating viral from non-viral CNS disorders (e.g., HSV encephalitis vs. autoimmune encephalitis); guiding antiviral therapy initiation and duration; assessing risk of EBV-driven lymphoproliferation post-transplant; confirming VZV reactivation in atypical zoster presentations.

Normal Range

Negative (no detectable viral DNA); quantitative results vary by assay and laboratory but typically reported as 'Not Detected' or <10–50 copies/mL for HSV, VZV, and EBV. Reference ranges depend on specimen type (e.g., CSF, plasma, whole blood, swab) and platform (e.g., real-time PCR). No universally defined 'normal' numerical range—interpretation is qualitative (detected/not detected) or semi-quantitative (viral load in log10 copies/mL with lab-specific cutoffs).

Low Values - Possible Causes

1. Absence of active viral infection; 2. Effective antiviral therapy suppressing replication; 3. Specimen collection error (e.g., inadequate sample volume, improper transport/storage leading to DNA degradation); 4. Low viral shedding or latent infection phase; 5. Inhibitors in the sample interfering with PCR amplification (e.g., heparin, hemoglobin, mucins).

High Values - Possible Causes

1. Active primary or reactivated herpesvirus infection (e.g., HSV encephalitis, VZV vasculopathy, EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder); 2. Immunocompromised state (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant); 3. Disseminated or systemic viral disease; 4. Sample contamination (rare but possible with amplicon carryover); 5. High-titer viremia due to impaired immune clearance.

herpesvirus PCR test viral load quantification neurological infection diagnostics immunocompromised patient testing CSF viral PCR panel

estimated about CNY 400-800