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Order Code CHIKC Chikungunya Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Spinal Fluid


Additional Testing Requirements


Due to the short period in which chikungunya RNA may be detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), testing serum for IgM- and IgG-class antibodies to chikungunya virus is also recommended. See CHIKV / Chikungunya IgM and IgG, Antibody, Serum.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Vial number 2

Acceptable: Any vial number

Submission Container/Tube: Sterile screw cap vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.


Useful For

Qualitative detection of chikungunya virus in cerebrospinal fluid after early symptom onset (ideally <7 days)

 

This test is not recommended for screening healthy patients.

Method Name

Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

Chikungunya Virus, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Method Description

The RealStar Chikungunya Virus RT-PCR Kit was developed by Altona Diagnostics to assist in the diagnosis of chikungunya (CHIK) infection by testing cerebrospinal fluid for CHIK RNA. The Altona RealStar Chikungunya (ARS CHIK) RT-PCR Kit 2.0 is a qualitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay targeting the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) gene. The assay includes a heterologous amplification system (internal control: IC) to identify possible RT-PCR inhibition and to confirm the integrity of the reagents of the kit. Testing will be performed per the manufacturer's instructions using the LightCycler 480 following extraction with the NucliSENS easyMag (bioMerieux).

 

Real-time RT-PCR technology utilizes a reverse-transcriptase reaction to convert RNA into complementary DNA, PCR for the amplification of specific target sequences, and target specific probes for the detection of the amplified DNA. The probes are labelled with fluorescent reporter and quencher dyes. Probes specific for CHIK RNA are labelled with the fluorophore FAM. The probe specific for the IC is labeled with the fluorophore JOE. Using probes linked to distinguishable dyes enables the parallel detection of CHIK specific RNA and the IC in corresponding detector channels of the real-time PCR instrument.(Package insert: RealStar Chikungunya RT-PCR Kit 2.0. Altona Diagnostics; 01/2017)

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87798

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Mosquito-borne Disease Laboratory Testing

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.