West Nile Virus PCR, CSF (Sendout)

General Information

Lab Name

West Nile Virus PCR, CSF

Lab Code

RCWNP

Epic Ordering

West Nile Virus PCR, CSF (Sendout)

External Test Id

WNCSF

Description

Useful For:

Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens
An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early WNV infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset)

This assay should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals and should only be used to test patients with signs and symptoms of WNV disease.

Synonyms

Arbovirus, Flavivirus, Mosquito Borne Encephalitis, Viral encephalitis, West Nile PCR, WNCSF, WNV

Components

Code	Name
RCWNVR	West Nile Virus PCR Result,CSF

Interpretation

Method

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference Range

See individual components

Ref. Range Notes

Reference Values: Negative

Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) RNA and is consistent with early WNV infection.

Interferences and Limitations

Cautions:

The sensitivity of the assay is very dependent upon the time of illness onset in which the specimen is collected. Polymerase chain reaction testing has the greatest utility when used within the first few days of symptom onset.

A negative test does not exclude infection with West Nile virus (WNV). Therefore, the results obtained should be used in conjunction with clinical findings and serologic test results to make an accurate diagnosis.

This assay detects both viable and nonviable virus. Test performance depends on viral load in the specimen and may not correlate with cell culture performed on the same specimen.

Guidelines

Washington DOH Notifiable Conditions

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type: CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid
Collection: Collect 0.5 mL CSF in a sterile container
Handling Instructions: Outside Laboratories: Refrigerate CSF in a sterile vial.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Heat-inactivated or centrifuged specimen.
Quantity: requested: 0.5 mL CSF
minimum: 0.3 mL CSF

Processing

Processing

Refrigerate CSF in a sterile vial.

Sendouts:

Order Mayo Test: WNCSF.
Interfaced: Yes.

Stability: Refrigerated (Preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Heat-inactivated or centrifuged specimen.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Sendouts Mayo Lab (RF) (MARF)

Performing Location(s)

Sendout	Mayo Clinic Laboratories 800-533-1710 200 First Street Southwest Rochester, MN 55901

Frequency

Performed: Monday - Friday. Report Available: 1-5 days.

Available STAT?

Billing & Coding

CPT codes: 87798
LOINC: 34461-4
Interfaced Order Code: UOW3533