ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0050229: West Nile Virus RNA by RT-PCR

Test Mnemonic: WNILE PCR
Methodology: Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction

Performed: Mon-Fri

Reported: 1-4 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 5 mL plain red, SST or CSF.  (Centrifuge blood sample and remove serum before transporting.)  Specimen source is required.

Transport: 1 mL serum or CSF in a sterile container, frozen.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.3 mL serum or CSF in a sterile container, frozen.  Less volume may decrease sensitivity of assay.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: Avoid repeat freeze/thaw cycles.

Unacceptable Conditions: Heparinized or hemolyzed samples, and nonsterile or leaking containers.

Stability: Ambient: 1 hour; Refrigerated: 24 hours; Frozen: 3 months

Reference Interval:
Negative: West Nile virus nucleic acid not detected by RT-PCR.
Positive: West Nile virus nucleic acid detected by RT-PCR.

Interpretive Data:
A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or West Nile virus nucleic acid in concentrations below the level of detection of the assay.

This test is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

Please refer to Statement B in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory.



CPT Code(s):
87798