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Test Code INFPCR INFLUENZA PCR

Important Note

Specimen Source is Required

Methodology

 

Molecular Detection, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)


This test is useful for qualitative detection of Influenza A and Influenza B in respiratory specimens.

Clinical Information

Influenza is an acute, contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A,B and C viruses. Of these, only influenza A and B are thought to cause significant disease, with infections due to influenza B usually being milder than infections with influenza A. Influenza A viruses are further categorized into subtypes based on the 2 major surface protein antigens: Hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

 

Common symptoms of influenza infection include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, weakness, fatigue, and a nonproductive cough. Certain patients, including infants, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with impaired lung function are at risk for serious complications. 

Specimen Requirements

 

Preferred Specimen :  Nasopharyngeal Swab in Universal Viral Transport Media

 

Tube/Container: UTM Collection Kit, (Supply order - #0075681)

 

Not Acceptable: Throat swab, calcium alginate, cotton-tipped swab or swabs with wood shafts.

 

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

 

Collection Instructions:

  1. Instruct the patient to blow thier nose.
  2. Collect specimens by rotating the minitip flocked swab gently for 5-10 seconds over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
  3. Remove the swab and immediately insert the swab into the transport media tube. Place the swab head at least 1/2 inch below the surface of the media, and swirl the swab in the media. Break the swab shaft and leave the swab in the tube. 
  4. Attach the cap securely.
  5. Label container with patient’s legal name, date, time of collection, and specimen type.
  6. Send specimen to the Lab promptly.

 

Alternate:  Nasal Wash in Universal Viral Transport Media (supply order #0075681)


Tube/Container: #6004913 Sterile container or Universal Viral Transport Media (#0075681)

 

Not Acceptable: Anterior nares swab or excessively bloody specimen.

 

Specimen Volume:  >1 mL of nasal washing material placed in Universal Viral Transport Media as soon as possible.

   

Collection Instructions:

  1. Ensure sufficient help to immobilize patient.
  2. Lavage selected nare with 1 mL to 3 mL of saline.
  3. Gently aspirate nare using a mucous trap with suction. Collect wash material in trap vial and place in Universal Viral Transport Media.
  4. Label vial with patient’s legal name, date, time of collection, and specimen type.
  5. Send specimen to the Lab promptly.

 

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

 

STAT Available 24/7

 

Maximum Laboratory Time

4 hours

 

 

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 3 days

Frozen: 30 days at -70° C

 

Reference Values

Influenza A: Not Detected

Influenza B: Not Detected

 

Interpretation

A positive test result indicates that the patient is presumptively infected with the indicated virus. The test does not indicate the stage of infection. Rarely, more than 1 virus may be detected from the same patient specimen. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidermiologic data in making a final diagnosis.

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87502