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Test Code RSVPCR RSV (RESP SYNCYTIAL VIRUS) PCR

Important Note

Specimen Source is Required 

Methodology

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

 

This test is useful for the qualitative detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in respiratory specimens.

Clinical Information

 

RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children. There are 2 types of RSV (A and B) based on antigenic and surface protein variations. Most yearly epidemics contain a mix of type A and B viruses, but 1 sub group can dominate during a season. RSV infection can cause severe respiratory illness among all ages but is more prevalent in pediatric, elderly and immunocompromised populations. RSV can infect up to 80% of children <1 year of age. Bronchiolitis and pneumoniae are the major clinical complications in infants and young children.

 

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 thru Sunday

 

STAT Available 24/7

 

Maximum Laboratory Time

4 hours

 

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 3 days

Frozen: 30 days at -70° C

 

Reference Values

RSV: 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. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiologic date in making a final diagnosis.

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87634