Laboratory Services

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Molecular Detection, PCR

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Molecular Detection, PCR
Synonym(s)

Respiratory, RSV, PCR

Test ID
RSVPCR
General Information

Real-time RT-PCR for the detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Container Type

Sterile container with viral transport media (VTM), universal transport media (UTM), or phosphate buffered saline (PBS)

Specimen Type

Nasapharyngeal (NP) or nasal swab in approved transport media:
* Remel M4, M4RT, M5, or M6
* Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM)
* BD Universal Viral Transport Medium (UTM)
* PBS

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

For NP swabs, collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
For nasal swabs, rotate the swab inside the nasal passage several times. Repeat in other nostril with the same swab.
* Place swab in transport media.

Minimum Sample Volume

1.0 mL

Stability

• Refrigerated: 3 days                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Frozen: 1 week

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

• E-Swab
• Calcium alginate-tipped swab
• Wooden Swab
• Dry Swab
• Transport swab containing gel

Methodology

Qualitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Estimated TAT

1-2 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday

CPT Code(s)

87634

Reference Range

Not Detected

LOINC Code(s)

40988-8, 31208-2

Additional Information

This test is specific for Respiratory Syncytial Virus; therefore, the results do not exclude the possibility of infection with other respiratory viruses.