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Order Code WNCSF West Nile Virus, RNA, PCR, Molecular Detection, Spinal Fluid


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

Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens

 

An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early WNV infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset)

 

This assay should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals and should only be used to test patients with signs and symptoms of WNV disease.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

West Nile Virus RNA, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
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

This real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay provides qualitative detection of lineages 1 and 2 of West Nile virus (WNV). Viral RNA is first extracted from cerebrospinal fluid on an automated platform. The extract is then used for subsequent RT-PCR. An initial reverse transcription step is employed to convert viral RNA to cDNA. The viral cDNA target is then amplified on the Roche LightCycler 480 using specific primers and detected via Taqman probe technology. An internal control is also included with each reaction. Analysis of the PCR amplification is accomplished through the use of LightCycler software.(Package insert: RealStar WNV RT-PCR Kit 2.0. Altona Diagnostics; 03/2019)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87798

Forms

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