COVID 19, Influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) PCR

Marshfield Lab Public WebSite

Marshfield Clinic Public WebSite

Test Code: ABCRNAT

Overview
Ordering
Specimen
Performing
Clinical/Interpretive
Contacts
Coding

Synonyms/Keywords

COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Influenza, RSV

Useful For

This is a qualitative molecular test for the detection of nucleic acid of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Influenza virus types A and B and Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) in nasopharyngeal swabs from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. Combination testing is most useful during periods when these viruses are in known circulation in the community. Patients may have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of sore throat, cough, fever, headache, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath and complications including pneumonia.

Refer to the MCHS COVID-19 Test Kit Selection for specimen collection guidance.

All SARS-CoV-2 results are reported to the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS). Confirmed and suspected COVID-19 disease is a Category 1 reportable condition in Wisconsin.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type	Preferred Container/Tube	Acceptable Container/Tube	Specimen Volume	Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat)	Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat)
Nasopharyngeal Swab	UTM Universal Viral Transport, M6 Viral Transport, Xpert VTM		One nasophryngeal swab	One nasopharyngeal swab	One nasopharyngeal swab

Collection Processing Instructions

Collect a nasopharyngeal specimen using the NP swab. Place swab into the appropriate transport medium and carefully break off the swab shaft against the side of the tube at the score line. Discard the top portion of the swab shaft. Securely tighten the cap of tube.

Transport specimen at 2-8°C to Marshfield Labs as soon as possible. If specimen cannot be tested within 72 hours of collection, it should be frozen at -70°C or colder until tested.

Acceptable Body Sites

Nasopharyngeal

Acceptable Specimen Types

Nasopharyngeal swab

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Nasopharyngeal swab	Refrigerate	<= 72 hours
Nasopharyngeal swab	Frozen	> 72 hours

Rejection Criteria

Specimens on cotton or calcium alginate tipped swabs

Swabs with wooden shaft

Specimens in transport media other than those listed above

Performing Laboratory Information

Performing Location	Day(s) Test Performed	Analytical Time	Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Routine	Monday through Sunday	<= 24 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Marshfield STAT	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Eau Claire	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Park Falls	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Ladysmith	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Rice Lake	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Minocqua	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Neillsville	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Weston	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
Beaver Dam	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR
River Region	Monday through Sunday	3 hours	Nucleic Acid Test (NAT); Real-Time RT-PCR

Test Information

Marshfield Labs COVID-19/Influenza Nucleic Acid Test assays are Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) assays performed on multiple platforms.

MCHS Laboratory Summary on SARS-COV-2 Assay Sensitivity and Specificity

The current COVID-19/Influenza/RSV tests used at MCHS have been authorized for use by regulatory authorities including the FDA and CDC. These tests are highly specific (no false-positives) and are considered to be very sensitive, approaching 100%, during symptomatic disease when high titers of viral target are present, including directly before symptoms appear and following symptom resolution for several days. Appropriate collection technique is a critical variable for best test performance.

Assays performed at MCHS use validated gene targets and reagents, strict quality control, and qualified testing personnel. Results generated are comparable to those produced by public health and academic laboratories nationally. Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2/Influenza/RSV infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information.

Reference Range Information

Performing Location	Reference Range
All Sites	Negative

Interpretation

Positive – Result indicates that the specific virus nucleic acid is detected and suggests infection with the virus.

Negative –Result indicates that the specific virus is not detected.

Indeterminate - Result is indeterminate due to a PCR inhibitor present in the specimen. Consider repeat specimen if clinically indicated.

Synonyms/Keywords

COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Influenza, RSV

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application	Description

If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.