Newcastle Laboratories

Norovirus PCR Test

Clinical Background:

Norovirus, sometimes known as winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. If affects people of all ages. Norovirus infection is characterised by nausea, vomiting, watery...

Norovirus, sometimes known as winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. If affects people of all ages. Norovirus infection is characterised by nausea, vomiting, watery dairrhoea, and abdominal pain. The disease is self-limiting and people generally make a full recovery within 2-3 days. Submission of samples is not usually necessary in sporadic cases. Norovirus testing is generally only performed in outbreak situations or at the advice of Infection Prevention and Control Team.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.

    Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.

    Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    Quarter full (Universal Container)

    Quarter full (Universal Container)

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    Quarter full (Universal Container)

    Quarter full (Universal Container)

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 3 days

    Possible up to 3 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme

  • Interpretation:

    Positive results always supported by medical microbiologist and Infection Prevention & Control Teams.

    Positive results always supported by medical microbiologist and Infection Prevention & Control Teams.

  • Reference Ranges:

    N/A

    N/A

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Referenced Documents:

    Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 30)

    Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 30)

Availability:

Performed daily using random access systems. Can be processed outside core hours if sanctioned by the microbiologist on-call.

Turn Around:

3 days

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