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Influenza Virus:PCR

Last modified by  IMarrero  on  March 12, 2013 02:22 PM


UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

PCR Influenza Virus
 For General Information, see also: Testing for respiratory viruses at UNC McLendon Laboratories

 

  •   This test is primarily for remote community practices and non-nasopharyngeal specimens, as it is performed 1x/day.
  • The Rapid Influenza PCR test should be used for on-site inpatient and outpatient locations requiring faster results.  For information on the sensitivity and specificity of the Rapid Influenza PCR vs. the Influenza Virus, PCR vs. the Respiratory Virus Group NAA please Laboratory Diagnosis of Influenza.
  • Rapid antigen testing and viral culture are not available.  The sensitivity of rapid antigen testing for 2009 H1N1 is as low as 10%. Point-of-care rapid antigen testing should NOT be used in community practices to diagnose influenza.
  • Nasopharyngeal  (not nasal) specimens should be collected within 5 days of symptoms for optimal sensitivity.
  • Testing is currently performed 1x/day Monday - Friday.

 

Specimen Type: Lawson# 050750  
Mini-tip swab: Lawson #050750
Test ID  
Laboratory Ordering Only, Please call the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory at
919-966-6101 with questions regarding this test.
Test Number   N/A
SMS Browse   N/A
CPT Code(s)    
Group/Individual Test   Group
Laboratory   Molecular Microbiology
Tube Station   82

Specimen

Routine:
Nasopharyngeal(NP) flocked swab is the preferred specimen (see photo above). Flocked swabs are the preferred collection device (included in the BD Universal Viral Transport Kit) and are available from Central Distribution (Lawson #050750).
Other acceptable specimens include Nasopharyngeal ( NP) aspirates,NP Washes, Tracheal Aspirate,and specimens obtained by bronchoscopy are also acceptable. NOTE: NASAL SWABS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AND MAY LEAD TO FALSE NEGATIVE RESULTS.
See NP swab collection video if needed
Availability   Testing is currently performed 1x/day Monday - Friday
Turnaround Time   24 hours
Reference Range Normal: Negative
     
Comments
  • Note: False-positive Influenza RNA tests are associated with the administration of FluMist, an intranasally-administered influenza vaccine.  Individuals receiving this vaccine may shed influenza RNA for up to 3-weeks post-vaccination.
  • This assay detects and differentiates both Influenza A & B Viruses but does not differentiate A/H1N1 from seasonal Flu A.  Any questions regarding swine or avian influenza  should be directed to Dr. Melissa Miller, Director of Molecular Microbiology at (919) 966-6101.
  • For information concerning resistance to Influenza Antiviral Medications, please see the CDC Health Advisory dated 12/19/2008.
  • To view the current local distribution of respiratory viruses, including influenza please visit the Flu Surveillance Reports link at: http://news.intranet.unchealthcare.org/flu 
  • For CDC Weekly Reports are available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
  • For the detection of multiple viruses see Respiratory Virus Group, NAA .

 

 

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