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Oregon Health Authority

Lab Test Details

Respiratory Virus Panel, Real-Time RT-PCR

Updated

5/23/2023

Search Terms
Influenza A; Influenza B; Adenovirus; Rhinovirus; Parainfluenza 1; Parainfluenza 2; Parainfluenza 3; Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV); Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
How to Order On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Other” section, check the “Respiratory Virus Panel RT-PCR” box.

If the specimen is associated with an identified outbreak, include the Outbreak Number in the Outbreak Number box on the test request form.
Availability All testing must be approved by the Oregon State Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Program.
PerformedOnce per week or more, depending on demand
Time to ReportingWithin 7 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code

87798 x the number of organisms tested.



Specimen Collection Details

CollectionCollect specimen(s) using Dacron polyester tips or flocked swabs on a plastic shaft (wooden shaft swabs are not acceptable). Nasopharyngeal swabs are preferred. Ideally, collect specimens within 3 days of illess onset and not later than 7 days after illness onset. Insert swabs into viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM). Do not submit a dry swab for testing.

Instructions for collecting nasopharyngeal specimens are available from the CDC.

Acceptable specimen sources include: Nasopharyngeal swabs (preferred), nasal swabs, throat swabs, combination swabs (2 swabs from accepted specimen sources in one vial), nasal aspirates, nasal washes, bronchoalveolar lavages, bronchial washes, tracheal aspirates, sputum, lung tissue, or cell culture isolates.
Optimal Volume2-3 mL VTM or UTM
Minimum Volume1 mL VTM or UTM
Handling

Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport.

If specimen transport cannot occur within 2-3 days of specimen collection, freeze the specimen(s), preferably at -70° C, and ship on dry ice as soon as possible.
Transport

Package specimens with fully frozen ice packs to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport. Transport for receipt at the OSPHL within 3 days of specimen collection.

If specimen is frozen, package specimens with dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures during transport.

Rejection CriteriaSwabs with calcium alginate, cotton tips, wooden shafts, or dry swabs; specimens that are collected more than 14 days after illness onset.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
Comments Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

This test will identify influenza A (H3, 2009 H1N1, and H3N2v subtypes), Influenza B Victoria and Yamagata lineages, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza 1-3, RSV, and hMPV.

Method Details

Methodology

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Performance SpecificationsMethod Performance Specifications determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please contact the CDC for specifications if needed.

Change Log

5/23/2023
Corrected CPT Codes; Clarified Collection
3/15/2021

Edit Performance Specifications