West Nile Virus by PCR (Sendout)
General Information
- Lab Name
- West Nile Virus by PCR
- Lab Code
- RWNVP
- Epic Name
- West Nile Virus PCR (Sendout)
- External Test Id
- WNVS
- Description
Useful For:
-
Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using serum 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.
Testing Algorithm:
-
- Synonyms
- Arbovirus, Flavivirus, Mosquito Borne Encephalitis, Viral encephalitis, West Nile PCR, WNV, WNVS
- Components
-
Code Name RWNVPR West Nile Virus by PCR
Interpretation
- Guidelines
- 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.
Whole blood rather than serum has been shown to provide increased sensitivity for detecting West Nile virus (WNV) RNA.
A negative test does not exclude infection with 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.
Ordering & Collection
- Specimen Type
- Blood
- Collection
-
Collect 3 mL blood in GOLD TOP SST or RED TOP tube
- Handling Instructions
Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate sterile vial within 6 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum.
Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, heat-inactivated specimen.
- Quantity
-
Requested: 0.5 mL serum
Minimum: 0.3 mL serum
Processing
- Receiving Instructions
Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate sterile vial within 6 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum.
Sendouts:
- Order Mayo Test: WNVS.
- Interfaced: Yes.
Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, heat-inactivated specimen.
- Misc Sendout
Performance
- Lab Department
- Sendouts Mayo Lab (RF)(MARF)
- Frequency
- Performed: Monday - Friday. Report Available: 1-5 days.
- Available STAT?
- No
- Performing Location(s)
-
Sendout Mayo Clinic Laboratories
800-533-1710200 First Street Southwest
Rochester, MN 55901
Billing & Coding
- CPT Codes
- 87798
- LOINC
- 34892-0
- Interfaced Order Code
- UOW3531