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.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using intergrated spoon.
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Minimum Volume Adult:
Quarter full (Universal Container)
Quarter full (Universal Container)
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
Quarter full (Universal Container)
Quarter full (Universal Container)
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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
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 3 days
Possible up to 3 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme
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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.
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Reference Ranges:
N/A
N/A
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 30)
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 30)