| Test: | Zika, Dengue or Chikungunya Virus RNA Detection |
| Synonym: | Arbovirus, RT-PCR |
| Method: | RT-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Qualitative |
| Availability: | Test performed Monday-Friday; Turn-around time 7 days |
| Specimen: | Whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine (collected alongside a patient-matched serum specimen) NOTE: Serum is the preferred diagnostic specimen. CSF and urine may only be tested alongside a patient-matched serum specimen. Dengue and Chikungunya virus testing can only be performed on serum specimens. |
| Collection Device: | Clot (Red) or SST(Gold) tube, CSF collection tube, sterile urine container Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms |
| Volume: | All samples types: 1-1.5 mL; Minimum:0.25 mL |
| Storage/Transport: | Centrifuge and aliquot serum into sterile leak proof tube, within 2 hours of collection. Prior to and during shipment: Store specimens at 2-8°C. Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport: All screw-top tubes must be sealed with parafilm or tape. Vacutainer tubes do not require parafilm or tape to seal. Package and ship as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Place in biohazard bag with absorbent material. Refrigerated specimen should be shipped with frozen gel-packs. Transport by NPHL ground courier (NPHL brown shipper not required). If courier not available, contact Client Services (866) 290-1406 to arrange pickup. See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/. |
| Unacceptable: | Severely lipemic, icteric or hemolyzed samples; heat-inactivated serum; specimens that have undergone multiple freeze thaw cycles |
| Specimen Stability: | 2-8°C for immediate shipment, =-20°C upon receipt and = -70°C for long term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Reference Interval: | NEGATIVE - No significant level of detectable Zika, dengue or chikungunya virus |
| Reportable Disease: | A positive result is reportable as Arbovirus infection under Title 173, report within 7 days |
| Comments: | Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Send documented approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444. Molecular detection of Zika virus RNA is most reliable on specimens collected within 14 days of symptom onset. Refer to Zika Virus Antibody IgM test directory information test for specimens collected after 14 days. |
| Revised: | 7/11/2019 |