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Test Code RESP VIRAL PNL Respiratory Viruses by Film Array

Important Note

This test detects traditional respiratory viruses. 

As of 12/1/20, this test may detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Additional Codes

SHO11668

Spectrum test code 156

Performing Laboratory

Spectrum Laboratory

Available daily, routine TAT 24 hours.

 

STAT TAT is 2 hours from receipt at SHRL (35 Michigan, Grand Rapids). Test is run as soon as the specimen arrives in the SHRL Microbiology department.

Specimen Requirements and Processing

For optimal detection, collect NP swabs for patients with primarily upper respiratory tract infections and BAL for patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Do not send both a NP swab and BAL fluid to the lab for testing.

 

Submit only one specimen type:

 

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal Swab (NP)
Container/Tube: 3-mL UTM/Swab or Saline Collection Kit 
Collection Instructions:  

  • If possible, obtain specimen during the acute phase of the illness during the greatest amount of viral shedding. 
  • Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage.
  • Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface.
  • Remove the swab and insert into the red top tube of viral transport medium (UTM) immediately.
  • Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line.
  • Replace cap and screw on tightly.
  • Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
  • Send to lab immediately
  • Refrigerate if there will be a delay in reaching the laboratory.

Note: ESwab is acceptable but not preferred specimen collection container.

 

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar Lavage, BAL
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Volume: 2 mL
Minimum volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

  • Label container with patient’s full name and birthdate or Spectrum Health MRN. Also include specimen source.
  • Collect the lavage (not less than 1-2 mL of fresh, unfixed material) in a sterile, leak-proof container. 
  • Indicate on the order site lobe and pertinent clinical data (i.e. clinical impression, past diagnosis, radiographic findings and history of radiation or chemotherapy should be included in the order.) 
  • Refrigerate if there will be a delay in reaching the laboratory.

 

UNACCEPATABLE Specimen Types: NP washings, Sputum, Tracheal lavage/aspirate

Reference Values

Negative for Adenovirus PCR, Bordetella pertussis PCR, Bordetella parapertussis PCR, Chlamydia pneumoniae PCR, Coronavirus 229E PCR, Coronavirus HKU1 PCR, Coronavirus NL63 PCR, Coronavirus OC43 PCR, Influenza A 2009 H1 PCR, Influenza A H1 PCR, Influenza A H3 PCR, Influenza A PCR, Influenza B PCR, Metapneumovirus PCR, Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR, Parainfluenza 1 PCR, Parainfluenza 2 PCR, Parainfluenza 3 PCR, Parainfluenza 4 PCR, Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR, Rhinovirus-Enterovirus PCR, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: 4 hours

Refrigerate 4°C:  3 days

Laboratory Retention: 3 days

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate