Respiratory Viral PCR
Clinical Background:
This is qualitative PCR assay used to detect DNA or RNA from respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory symptoms. The standard screen for most patients includes SARS-COV-2, Influenza A, Influ...
This is qualitative PCR assay used to detect DNA or RNA from respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory symptoms. The standard screen for most patients includes SARS-COV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV. For patients who are immunocompromised or require intensive case an ‘Extended viral respiratory screen’ can be ordered if indicated. The extended test can additionally detect Parainfluenzavirus 1 - 4, Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus and Rhinovirus. Where upper respiratory samples are negative and the patient has predominantly lower respiratory symptoms, consideration should be given to sending an induced sputum or BAL. It should be noted that PCR may remain positive for several weeks after infection. The detection of viral DNA or RNA does not necessarily equate with ongoing viral replication and infectious virus. In certain cases a wider respiratory pathogen PCR may be indicated, with additional viral and atypical bacterial targets, including mycoplasma pneumonia, this should be discussed with a microbiologist or virologist.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Sputum, BAL, ETS, Nasal, Throat swab or other respiratory sample in sterile universal or viral swab
Sputum, BAL, ETS, Nasal, Throat swab or other respiratory sample in sterile universal or viral swab
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Sputum, BAL, ETS, Nasal, Throat swab or other respiratory sample in sterile universal or viral swab
Sputum, BAL, ETS, Nasal, Throat swab or other respiratory sample in sterile universal or viral swab
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
None noted. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C
None noted. Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C
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Sample Stability:
Stable at fridge/ambient temperature for 24 hours
Stable at fridge/ambient temperature for 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
QCMD, PHE proficiency scheme
QCMD, PHE proficiency scheme
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 10°C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 10°C
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Referenced Documents:
31.12.14
31.12.14
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Other Info:
Done by Newcastle PHE laboratory
Done by Newcastle PHE laboratory