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Order Code WNVS West Nile Virus, RNA, PCR, Molecular Detection, Serum


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 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

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

 

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

 

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.

Testing Algorithm

The following algorithms are available:

-Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm

-Mosquito-borne Disease Laboratory Testing

Method Name

Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reporting Name

West Nile Virus RNA, PCR, Serum

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 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

This real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay provides qualitative detection of lineages 1 and 2 of West Nile virus. Viral RNA is first extracted from serum 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 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.