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Order Code VZIKS Zika Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Serum


Ordering Guidance


Due to similar clinical presentations, testing for RNA or IgM-class antibodies to dengue and chikungunya viruses, concurrently with Zika virus testing, is strongly recommended.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot the serum into a sterile container.

2. Serum specimens not aliquoted from the serum gel collection tube into a sterile container will be rejected.


Useful For

Qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA in serum from individuals meeting the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Zika virus clinical or epidemiologic criteria

Testing Algorithm

The following algorithms are available:

-Assessment for Zika Virus Infection

-Mosquito-borne Disease Laboratory Testing

Method Name

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

Reporting Name

Zika Virus PCR, Serum

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Reference Values

Negative

 

Reference values apply to all ages.

Method Description

The RealStar Zika Virus RT-PCR Kit by Altona Diagnostics is a TaqMan assay employing a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction to convert RNA to complementary DNA, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific target sequences and detection by target specific probes. Probes specific for Zika RNA are labeled with the fluorophore FAM. The kit also contains an internal control labeled with the fluorophore JOE. The internal control is added to the nucleic acid extraction procedure and undergoes RT and amplification in parallel to Zika virus-specific RNA that may be present in patient specimens. The different dye-labeled probes allow detection of Zika virus and the internal control simultaneously in corresponding detector channels of the LC 480 instrument. The test can be completed within 120 minutes following RNA extraction and is completed in a closed system.(Package insert: RealStar Zika Virus RT-PCR Kit US. Altona Diagnostics; Version 1.1, 03/2017)

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday, Thursday

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87662

Forms

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