Lab Test Details

Viral Gastroenteritis Panel, Real-Time RT-PCR
Updated	5/23/2023
Search Terms	Astrovirus; Calicivirus; Norovirus; Sapovirus; Rotavirus; Gastrointestinal Viruses; Norwalk
How to Order	On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Molecular” section, check the “MOL NOV: Norovirus RT-PCR” box.
Availability	With approval from the Acute and Communicable Disease Program or Local Public Health Authorities
Performed	As needed
Time to Reporting	Within 7 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code	87798 x 2 if Norovirus positive If Norovirus is negative, 87798 repeated for each additional gastrointestinal pathogen test performed

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Human stool in a clean, screw-top plastic container or stool in Cary Blair enteric pathogen transport media. Vomit in a screw top plastic container is acceptable, but not preferred.
Optimal Volume	Raw Stool - 2 mL or a "walnut-sized” amount Solid or Liquid Stool; Vomit - 5 gm or 5 mL
Minimum Volume	Raw Stool - 1 mL or a “pea-sized” amount Solid Stool - 2 gm Liquid Stool; Vomit - 5 mL
Handling	Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport. Transport as soon as possible after specimen collection.
Transport	Package specimens with fully frozen ice packs to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport. Specimens should be transported to be received at the OSPHL within 5 days of specimen collection.
Rejection Criteria	Specimens received more than 10 calendar days after specimen collection. 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. Norovirus is the major cause of viral gastroenteritis. Other gastrointestinal viruses (astrovirus, sapovirus, and rotavirus) will only be tested upon approval from state or local public health authorities. If bacterial pathogens are suspected, follow the instructions for Enteric Pathogen Culture.
Method Details
Methodology	Real-Time Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performance Specifications	Method 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	Edit How to Order, CPT Code, Comments
3/15/2021	Edit Test Name and Performance Specifications

Lab Test Details

Viral Gastroenteritis Panel, Real-Time RT-PCR

Specimen Collection Details

Method Details

Change Log