Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Express PCR for SARS-Cov-2, FLuA,FluB, and RSV

Test Code

4PLEX

Description

This is a PCR Test that can quickly determine the presence of multiple viruses from a single patient specimen.

Viruses that will be detected and differentiated are: influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2

Collect

Nasopharyngeal swab, nasal swab, or nasal wash/aspirate

Nasopharyngeal Swab: Insert swab into either nostril, passing into the posterior nasopharynx. Rotate swab by firmly brushing against the nasopharynx several times. Remove the swab and immediately place into viral transport media.

Nasal Swab: Insert swab 1 to 1.5cm into a nostril. Rotate swab against the side of the nostril several times, with a minimum of 3 seconds contact time, while applying pressure with finger to the outside of the nostril. Repeat the process in the other nostril with the same swab. Place the swab into viral transport media immediately upon collection.

Nasal Wash/Aspirate: using a clean transfer pipette, transfer 600µL of the wash/aspirate into viral transport media as soon as possible after the procedure.

Unacceptable Conditions

Frozen Samples and any sample not submitted in VTM.

Storage Transport Temp

15-30°C for 24 hours once in VTM
2-8°C for 7 days once in VTM
Frozen samples are not acceptable

Notes

This test is only offered for In-house testing.

Performed

7 days a week

Methodology

Performed on the Cepheid GeneXpert. Multiplex real-time RT-PCR.

Reported

<24 hours

Department

Microbiology Lab

Synonyms

4plex

Ordering Recommendations

This test should be used when there is a strong suspicion of influenza, such as during the flu season, and when there is a need for a faster turnaround time.

Please note, this test is on allocation. If supplies are not sufficient for demand, the provider will receive notification to reallocate the test.