Test #
232
Test CPT Codes
87502
Influenza A & B, RT-PCR
Test Type
Molecular
Test Technology
RT-PCR
Test Specimen
Test Specimen
Throat or nasopharyngeal swab in 3 mL V-T-M medium or Universal transport media equivalent
Specimen Collection
Specimen should be collected during acute phase of the disease, ideally within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Guide the flexible (ideally a flocked rather than wound) swab into the contour of the nares and into the nasopharynx. Leave in place 15 to 30 seconds, rotate and remove. Place swab in viral transport.
Throat swab: Carefully rub the posterior nasopharynx with a dry sterile swab (preferably the "flocked swab"). Avoid touching the tongue or buccal mucosa. Place swab in viral transport.
Specimen Requirements
1mL
Transport Conditions
Refrigerate, Ship on cool packs 20-80 C if received in 72 hours
Reporting
Negative - No Influenza A or Influenza B viral RNA detected
Influenza A Positive - Influenza A viral RNA detected
Influenza B Positive - Influenza B viral RNA detected
Indeterminate
Quantity not sufficient
Test Disease
Influenza A & B
Clinical Utility
Diagnostic
Test Storage
Frozen at -20° C (preferred). Refrigerated specimens acceptable (if received for testing within 72 hours of collection). Room temperature swabs are acceptable (if received within 24 hours of collection).
Rejection criteria
Cotton-tip swabs in Urinary or Vaginal transport media
Specimens collected with calcium alginate swabs
Specimens collected with cotton tips and wood shafts
Refrigerated samples greater than 72 hours old
Room temperature swabs greater than 24 hours old
Improperly labeled, grossly contaminated, broken or leaking transport device
Collection with substances inhibitory to PCR including heparin, hemoglobin, ethanol, EDTA concentrations >0.01M
Specimens submitted in glass tubes/containers
Turnaround Time (TAT)
≤ 2 days
