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Influenza (flu) subtyping RT-PCR

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$110 | CPT Code: 87501, 87502 | Molecular lab

Methodology

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Acceptable specimen(s)

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs must be transported in 1-3 mL of viral transport media (VTM). Only use synthetic swabs. 

Specimen labeling

A minimum of two of the following patient identifiers are required on the specimen label:

  • Patient first and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)

The following information is also required:

  • Collection date and time

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline

The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.

Specimen stability

Nasopharyngeal swab

  • 2-8°C: 72 hours
  • ≤ -70°C: indefinitely

Turnaround time

Ten (10) business days.

Results will be available in LabOnline.

Rejection criteria

Incomplete or missing test order, incomplete specimen labeling, specimen collected in expired collection kits, quantity not sufficient for analysis, gross contamination, received out of hold time, received out of temperature

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: Clinical PCR testing, Molecular
  • Testing type: Influenza subtyping PCR
  • Matrix: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
     

Supplemental information

Influenza-associated death for a patient younger than 18 years old and influenza-associated hospitalization are CDPHE communicable reportable conditions.

A person who is symptomatic should be tested for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, or follow-up testing should be done for influenza if the SARS-CoV-2 result is negative. Test for other respiratory pathogens to determine co-infection or outbreaks of other respiratory illnesses, like RSV. It is possible for co-infection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to occur.

The Colorado State Lab has a limited number of flu tests for select outbreaks during the peak months of influenza season. Contact your local public health agency for more information on RT-PCR testing availability through the State Lab. 

Contact information