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Order Code WNVBL West Nile Virus, RNA, PCR, Molecular Detection, Blood


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.


Useful For

Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2)

 

An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early WNV infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset), with blood specimens potentially providing a greater sensitivity than other sources for WNV RNA detection

 

This test 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 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reporting Name

West Nile Virus RNA, PCR, Blood

Specimen Type

Whole Blood EDTA

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Refrigerated 7 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

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. EDTA whole blood is extracted on an extraction platform. The extract is then used for subsequent RT-PCR. An initial reverse transcription step is employed to convert viral RNA to complementary DNA (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.