Influenza Screen and Sub-Typing Real-time (TaqMan®) RT-PCR

Data Value
Method Real-Time RT-PCR, Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) Amplification of Influenza Virus RNA.
CPT Code N/A
Test Scope

Influenza A (H3N2), Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza B and/or Current Influenza Virus Strains (Differentiates Influenza A and B)

NOTE: Positive specimens will receive reflex testing for resolution of sub-type
Preferred Specimen Throat or Nasopharyngeal Swab (rayon or Dacron) aspirate, sputum, Bronchial Washing or Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Specimen Container Screw-cap polypropylene viral transport tube
Specimen Identification Label tube with patient's first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection.
Special Instructions
  • Indicate site of collection or source on requisition.
  • Include the date the sample was collected, date of onset of illness, a brief clinical description or the provisional diagnosis as well as any other pertinent clinical information on the requisition.
Influenza A/H5 and Influenza A/H7. Bronchial washings, deep sputum required for specimens that meet clinical criteria and epidemiologic risk factors for Influenza A/H5 and A/H7.
Shipping Requirements Store and transport refrigerated at 2-8° C within 4 days.
Sample Rejection Criteria
  • Swabs with calcium alginate, cotton tips or wooden shafts.
  • Swab not in viral transport media.
  • Specimen quantity not sufficient (QNS)
  • Specimen not refrigerated
  • Mislabeled/Unlabeled specimen
Turn-around-time 48 hours