Newcastle Laboratories

Rotavirus and Adenovirus Tests

Clinical Background:

Rotavirus is the most common virus causing gastroenteritis in children in the UK. Prior to the introduction of childhood rotavirus vaccination in August 2014 almost every child in the UK has had a ...

Rotavirus is the most common virus causing gastroenteritis in children in the UK. Prior to the introduction of childhood rotavirus vaccination in August 2014 almost every child in the UK has had a rotavirus infection before the age of 5 years. Universal vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of diarrhoea due to rotavirus. Norovirus and adenovirus 40/41 infections are now more likely causes of acute viral gastroenteritis in young children. Adults can become infected with rotavirus but the infection is usually very mild. In the UK, rotavirus infection is seasonal. The virus is more common during the winter season from November to April. Adenovirus serotypes 40 and 41 cause acute gastroenteritis primarily in children. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and last for approximately 10 days. Respiratory symptoms can occur in some individuals.

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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:

    Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable

    Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable

  • 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 during core hours

Turn Around:

<4 hrs

Send To:

Department of Microbiology

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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