Virus Related Diseases
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus identified with over 170 types. The high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 are known to cause around 70% of cervical cancers, and the low-risk HPV types 6 and 11 are the etiological cause of genital warts. Genotype screening for this virus in appropriate patients can prevent the progression of HPV-associated diseases. Our lab provides three kinds of HPV genotyping services: genotyping for HPV type 16, 18; genotyping for HPV type 6, 11, 16, 18; and all-genotyping for all HPV types by sequencing. Genotyping can detect more types of HPV compared with using a standard PCR test.
Specimen
Vaginal swabs / Endocervical swab
Container
3 ml of solution in ThinPrep / PreservCyt vial
Reasons for rejection
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; Wet buccal swab; Non-sterile container
Storage instruction
Swabs should be kept in a 4°C freezer. Bag specimens in case of leakage during transportation.
Turnaround time
1–3 working days
HBV DNA quantitative viral load
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. The virus is transmitted through contacting with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Some studies showed that 250 million people had been infected by chronic hepatitis B, therefore performing the HBV DNA quantitative viral load test by sensitive real-time PCR is important. This test can measure and quantify the HBV DNA level to assess the treatment response of patients with chronic HBV disease undergoing antiviral therapy.
Specimen
6 ml EDTA blood x1 or 2 ml EDTA plasma x1
Container
K3EDTA tube
Reasons for rejection
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; Non vacuum tube; Clotted specimen; Improper anticoagulant tube; Hemolysis
Storage instruction
EDTA blood should be kept at 4°C. EDTA plasma should be kept frozen.
Turnaround time
2–3 working days
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