Human Herpes Virus 7 DNA
Also known as Human Herpes Virus 7 Dna Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the Human Herpes Virus 7 DNA in the blood.
What is the Human Herpes Virus 7:
Human Herpes Virus 7 HHV-7 is linear and double-stranded DNA genome. HHV-7 sometimes acts along with HHV-6. HHV-7 infection can cause fever, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, low white blood cells count, acute febrile respiratory disease (worsening of a cough and shortness of breath) and febrile seizures (seizure associated with the fever). Some indications that suggest the HHV-7 is progressing in the body and they are encephalopathy (any brain disease that changes the brain functions), hepatitis infection, pityriasis rosea (skin rash with a large spot on the chest, abdomen and neck region), etc. HHV-7 is mainly identified in the individuals who have a poor immune system and commonly occurs in children. The exact mode of transmission of HHV-7 is not identified.
Why This test Is Performed:
This test is performed to check the presence of Human Herpes Virus 7 DNA in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as fever, body pains, poor immune system response, vomiting, diarrhea. If you are experiencing respiratory problems, multiorgan disease, encephalitis, then the doctor may recommend this test.
If you are on the treatment for Human Herpes Virus 7 HHV-7 then the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis. This test also helps to detect viral shedding in asymptomatic individuals.
How Often This Test Should Be Performed:
If you have been diagnosed with HHV-7, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in 2 years based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Human Herpes Virus 7 DNA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Human Herpes Virus 7 DNA.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there are no Human Herpes Virus 7 HHV-7 DNA in the blood and no infection of Human Herpes Virus 7.
The negative results do not rule out the possibility of the infection and hence retesting is recommended after a few days.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there are Human Herpes Virus 7 HHV-7 DNA in the blood and an infection of Human Herpes Virus 7.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The presence of HHV 7 antigen indicates positive test |