Norovirus GI and GII

Brief Description

This is a qualitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) duplex assay that detects both GI and GII Norovirus (NoV) RNA in clinical samples from patients exhibiting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. 

Laboratory Unit

Molecular Biology

Methodology

RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Fresh stool (Preferred):
    • 0.5 grams or 0.5 mL of fresh stool submitted in a sterile collection container.
  • Whole stool:
    • Submit in Cary-Blair media (Para-Pak).

NOTE: Preserved Stool - Diarrheal stool collected during the acute stage of the disease, portions containing blood or mucus usually contain the highest number of pathogens for routine testing.

Storage/Transport

  • Fresh stool can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Whole stool can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

    Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

    Feces

    Test Request

    Possible Results

    • Detected
    • Not detected
    • Unsatisfactory
    • Inconclusive

    Reference Range

    Not detected

    Unacceptable Conditions

    • Missing testing requisition
    • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
    • Improper labeling
    • Improper storage/transport of specimen
    • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
    • Wrong specimen type
    • Low volume < 0.5 g grams or < 0.5 mL
    • Specimen leaked, damaged, or crushed in transit

    Interfering Substances

    Inhibitors

    Result Reported

    1-3 business days

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

    Fees

    No charge

    LOINC/Order Codes

    56748-7 (Order code: 411100)