Molecular Arbovirus

Brief Description

This test uses real-time (TaqMan®) RT-PCR assays for qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA from dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses in serum, whole blood (EDTA), or cerebrospinal fluid (each collected alongside a patient-matched serum specimen), and for the qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA in urine, and amniotic fluid (each collected alongside a patient-matched serum specimen). This protocol has been designed to facilitate simultaneous testing for the presence of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses using a single sample.

Laboratory Unit

Molecular Biology

Methodology

RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Serum:
    • Collect in an SST tube, centrifuge.
  • Whole blood:
    • Collect in an EDTA tube.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
    • Collect in a sterile container. 
  • Urine: (Zika testing only)
    • Collect in a sterile container.
  • Amniotic fluid: (Zika testing only)
    • Collect in a sterile container.

Storage/Transport

Consultation with district epidemiologist required.

  • Serum should be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice, if possible; however, using cold packs is acceptable. 
  • Whole blood can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than seven days after collection. 
  • Cerebrospinal fluid should be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice, if possible; however, using cold packs is acceptable. 
  • Urine should be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice, if possible; however, using cold packs is acceptable. 
  • Amniotic fluid should be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice, if possible; however, using cold packs is acceptable.   
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

  • Serum (preferred)
  • Whole blood (EDTA)
  • CSF
  • Urine
  • Amniotic fluid

NOTE: Whole blood (EDTA), CSF, urine, and amniotic fluid may only be tested alongside a patient-matched serum specimen.

Test Request

Possible Results

  • Positive
  • Negative
  • Unsatisfactory
  • Inconclusive

Reference Range

Negative

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition form
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Specimen damaged, broken, or leaked in transit
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-3 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

81154-7 (Order code: 16600)