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Norovirus RT-PCR

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$260 | CPT Code: 87798| Molecular lab

 

Methodology

Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Acceptable specimen(s)

Testing related to public health follow-up or outbreak investigations must be approved by the Communicable Disease Branch before submitting specimens to the State Lab.

Stool, emesis (vomit)
Unpreserved (fresh) bulk stool or raw emesis in a sterile straight-sided jar. Do not add any preservatives. Stool samples are preferred.

Specimen labeling

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

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

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • Collection date
  • 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

Unpreserved bulk stool, unpreserved emesis
2-28° C: 72 hours

Specimens can be refrigerated until shipped. Do not freeze samples.

Turnaround time

Three (3) business days

Results will be available in LabOnline.

Rejection criteria

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

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular
  • Testing type: Norovirus PCR
  • Matrix: Stool, emesis

Include the outbreak ID number in the special instructions field if this sample is part of an outbreak investigation.

Supplemental information

Local public health agencies should call the Communicable Disease Branch at 303-692-2700 to report outbreaks of enteric illness and obtain an outbreak ID number.

Calls should be made within 24 hours after the outbreak is detected. Testing related to public health follow-up or outbreak investigations must be approved by the Communicable Disease Branch before submitting specimens to the State Lab.

Contact information