Respiratory Virus Group, NAA

Guide to Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection

The Respiratory Virus Group(RVP) Test by Nucleic Acid Amplification detects a total of 13 viruses, including subtypes. Details on the test may be found at http://www.luminexcorp.com/rvp/overview.html.   The numbered memo concerning transition to this test is available see Micro. #128 dated 12/3/08

 

The RVP assay is FDA-cleared for the detection of influenza A and B (including H1 and H3 subtyping), respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza 1,2 and 3, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, and adenovirus. Importantly, in our hands, the sensitivity of the RVP assay to detect adenovirus is 50% compared to our real-time PCR assay. Therefore, we highly recommend for patients in which it is critical to detect adenovirus, that negative adenovirus results obtained by the RVP assay be followed up with Adenovirus real-time PCR [SMS, 9308, Adenovirus PCR]. Specimen-in-lab add-on requests must be made within 96 h of specimen collection. The RVP assay is very specific (100% in our studies), though it cannot differentiate between rhinovirus and enterovirus.   

Sensitivity and Specificity of RVP in Prospectively Collected Specimens(n-544).

 

The preferred specimen is a nasopharyngeal swab, but other acceptable specimens include nasopharyngeal aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavages, bronchial washings, expectorated and induced sputa, and tracheal aspirates. Specimens must be transported to the Microbiology laboratory as soon as possible, but no later than 2 hours post-collection.    

For information concerning resistance to Influenza Antiviral Medications, please see the CDC Health Advisory dated 12/19/2008.

For the most current Influenza activity and circulating strain types in North Carolina please visit: North Carolina Communicable Diseases.