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HelpTest Code LAB1232033 Influenza Virus Type A and Type B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Useful For
Rapid and accurate detection of influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus in a single test
This test should not be performed unless the patient meets clinical and epidemiologic criteria for testing.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Nasal or nasopharyngeal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Type: Throat, nasal, or nasal mid-turbinate swab
Supplies: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with viral transport media
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Swab must be placed in viral transport media (for example, M4-RT, M4, or M5 media); BBL Culture Swab container includes a stabilizing media.
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal washing
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Type: Bronchial washing or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
- E-swab
- Calcium alginate-tipped swab
- Wood swab
- Dry swab
- Transport swab containing gel
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Method Name
Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
CPT Code Information
87631
Clinical Information
Influenza, otherwise known as the "flu," is an acute, contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A, B, and C viruses. Of these, only influenza A and B are thought to cause significant disease, with infections due to influenza B usually being milder than infections with influenza A. Influenza A viruses are further categorized into subtypes based on the 2 major surface protein antigens: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
Common symptoms of influenza infection include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, weakness, fatigue, and a nonproductive cough. Certain patients, including infants, older individuals, patients who are immunocompromised, and those with impaired lung function, are at risk for serious complications. In the United States, influenza results in approximately 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year.(1)
In the northern hemisphere, annual epidemics of influenza typically occur during the fall or winter months. However, the peak of influenza activity can occur as late as April or May, and the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. In 2009 to 2010, a novel influenza virus (called 2009 H1N1, previously "swine" flu) appeared in Mexico and quickly spread worldwide, causing the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. The resultant influenza season had an atypical distribution, with illness occurring during normally low-incidence months. Following a pandemic, disease incidence usually returns to the typical seasonal distribution within 1 to 2 years.(1)
Influenza infection may be treated with supportive therapy, as well as antiviral drugs such as the neuraminidase inhibitors, oseltamivir (TAMIFLU) and zanamivir (RELENZA). These drugs are most effective when given within the first 48 hours of infection, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for proper management.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that also infects the respiratory system and can cause an influenza-like illness. Most otherwise healthy people recover from RSV infection in 1 to 2 weeks. However, infection can be severe in infants, young children, and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age in the United States, and is more frequently being recognized as an important cause of respiratory illness in older adults.(2)
RSV and influenza virus RNA can be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in respiratory secretions, including upper and lower respiratory specimens. Nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates are the preferred specimen types for detection of RNA from influenza A, influenza B, and RSV. Nasal swabs have also been shown to provide equivalent yield to nasopharyngeal specimens for molecular detection of influenza A and B RNA, but not RSV RNA.(3,4) Tracheal aspirates are generally not acceptable for testing due to the viscous nature of these specimens.
Interpretation
A positive test result indicates that the patient is presumptively infected with the indicated virus. The test does not indicate the stage of infection. Rarely, more than 1 virus may be detected from the same patient specimen. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiologic data in making a final diagnosis.
A negative test result suggests that the patient is not infected with influenza A, influenza B, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Cautions
Given that influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common and can cause an indistinguishable clinical disease, this test is offered only as a panel.
This test has been designed to minimize the likelihood of false-positive test results. However, should false-positive results occur, risks to patients could include a recommendation for quarantine of household or other close contacts, a recommendation for patient isolation that might limit contact with family or friends, the ability to work, or the ability to receive certain medical care, prescription of an antiviral drug or other therapy, or other unintended adverse effects.
The sensitivity of the assay is very dependent upon the quality of the specimen submitted. Nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates are the preferred specimen types and are optimal for detection of RSV RNA. However, the test is validated for use with most upper and lower respiratory specimens, including nasal swabs, throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, and bronchial washings. Tracheal aspirates are not acceptable for testing due to the viscous nature of these specimens.
The test is specific for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV; therefore, the results do not exclude the possibility of infection with other respiratory viruses. Influenza C virus is not detected by this assay.
This assay detects influenza A virus RNA, but does not distinguish between the different subtypes of influenza A.
Negative results do not preclude infection with influenza A, influenza B, or RSV viruses and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.
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.
The assay has not been Food and Drug Administration approved for detection of Influenza A H7N9, though comparison of primer and probe sequences suggest that the assay will detect the H7N9 virus.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required.