NSPHL Service Request Form
| 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.
- Must indicate on requisition that H5 testing is needed, if patient is high risk, if patient has been exposed to H5, and if patient is showing conjunctival symptoms.
- Conjunctival swabs are accepted with a paired NP swab.
- Alert NSPHL staff (Molecular Department or Emergency Response) when sending specimen for testing.
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 |