What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fever, skin rash, swollen glands, or fatigue that hasn't gone away, especially if you have a weakened immune system. It's also useful if you've had a recent organ or stem cell transplant and need to check for viral reactivation. The test looks directly for the virus's genetic material in your blood, so it can catch an active infection early.

What's included in this test?

This is a single, targeted test that looks for the genetic material (DNA) of human herpesvirus 6 using a highly sensitive PCR method. Because it detects the virus directly, it can identify an active infection sooner than antibody-based blood tests, which is especially helpful for people with weakened immune systems.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account as either Positive or Negative, with a plain-language explanation of what that means. If your result is positive, next steps usually involve monitoring symptoms and retesting to track whether viral levels are changing over time; if you have a weakened immune system or symptoms worsen, seek medical care promptly. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and the trends feature lets you compare this result with any future HHV-6 tests.

How can I naturally support my immune system while managing HHV-6?

Getting consistent sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein all help your immune system work better against viral infections. Reducing stress through activities like walking, stretching, or meditation can also support your body's natural defenses. Avoid alcohol and smoking, since both can weaken immune response and slow recovery.

When will I get my results?

Results for this PCR test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. You'll receive a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, so there's no need to call or check in manually.

Who should consider this test?

People with unexplained fevers, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes that don't resolve should consider this test, as should anyone who is immunocompromised, such as transplant recipients or those on immune-suppressing medication. It's also relevant for infants with roseola-like symptoms or adults concerned about viral reactivation. If you've had close contact with someone diagnosed with HHV-6 and are showing symptoms, testing can offer clarity.

What symptoms indicate I may need this HHV-6 test?

Common signs include high fever followed by a skin rash (especially in young children), swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and sometimes seizures in infants. In adults with weakened immune systems, symptoms can include fever, confusion, or organ inflammation. If you're experiencing any of these, especially after a transplant or during immune suppression, this test can help identify the cause.

What is HHV-6 and why does it matter?

HHV-6 is a common virus that most people are exposed to in early childhood, often causing a mild illness called roseola. For most healthy people it stays inactive in the body afterward, but in people with weakened immune systems, it can reactivate and cause serious complications like organ inflammation. Knowing whether the virus is active matters most for immunocompromised individuals and transplant patients.

What does a positive HHV-6 result mean?

A positive result means the virus's genetic material was found in your sample, indicating an active infection or reactivation rather than just past exposure. This is especially significant if you're immunocompromised, since it may require closer monitoring of your symptoms. For most healthy people, a positive result simply confirms the virus is currently active and typically resolves on its own.

How often should I retest for HHV-6?

If you're being monitored due to a weakened immune system or recent transplant, retesting every few weeks during high-risk periods can help track whether viral activity is increasing or decreasing. For otherwise healthy individuals who tested positive during an acute illness, a follow-up test after symptoms resolve can confirm the infection has cleared. Always base retesting frequency on how your symptoms are trending.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HHV-6 DNA PCR Test - Fast Herpesvirus 6 Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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