Hantavirus (Sin Nombre Virus), RT-PCR, Qualitative

Data Value
Method Nested Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Amplification
CPT Code 83890, 83902, 83898, 83896, 83912
Test Scope Confirmatory Test
Sensitivity 5-10 copies of SNV RNA per sample
Preferred Specimen Whole Blood (Red Top)
Other Acceptable Specimens ACD Blood (Yellow Top Tube) (not preferred)
Unacceptable Specimens Do not collect specimen in Heparin (Green Top).
Required Sample Volume 3-5 mls whole blood
Minimum Sample Volume 3 mls whole blood
Specimen Container Collection: Red Top Tube, 5-10 mls
(no serum separator tube)
Transport: Screw-cap polypropylene transport tube
Specimen Identification Label tube with patient's first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection.
Special Instructions
  1. Collect whole blood in Red Top tube.
  2. Centrifuge and remove serum form clot as soon as possible and before storing.
  3. Transfer separated serum into a labeled plastic transport vial (for ELISA test).
  4. Freeze blood clot at -80 °C (-20 °C maximum temperature) and ship frozen.
Shipping Requirements Serum may be transported and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, refrigerated at 2-8° C for up to 5 days, or frozen at -20° C to -80° C for 14 days. Blood clot must be shipped frozen at -20° C to -80° C.
Sample Rejection Criteria
  • Specimen collected in Heparin (Green Top)
  • Specimen collected in Serum Separator Tube.
  • Improper specimen transport or storage
  • Mislabeled/Unlabeled specimen
  • Specimen quantity not sufficient for testing.
Turn-around-time 72 hours