Enterovirus Qualitative PCR Assay
Order Code: ENTEROQAL
Order Form: A-1a Clinical Microbiology Laboratory or Epic Req
Microbiology
BT 6004
356-2591
Bacteriology/Virology Section
Specimen:
Spinal Fluid (CSF)
Collection Medium:
CSF container
Minimum:
0.5 mL
Delivery Instructions:
Keep on ice and deliver to laboratory immediately.
Specimen Instructions:
Sterility must be maintained for accurate results. This test is performed on CSF only.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
3 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Not detected
Comments:
The Xpert EV Assay is designed to detect enterovirus (EV) RNA (enterovirus genome 5' untranslated region between nucleotide 452 and 596) in CSF samples. The assay detects most enteroviruses, including echoviruses, coxsackie A viruses, and coxsackie B viruses. The assay does not distinguish between serotypes.

Results from the Xpert EV assay should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical data. Positive enterovirus PCR results do not rule out other causes of meningitis, including bacteria, mycobacteria, other viruses (herpes family viruses, arboviruses, mumps virus, etc) and fungi. Rare occurrences of simultaneous mixed bacterial- viral meningitis have been reported in the literature.

This test is only performed on CSF. For detection of enteroviruses in blood, order Enterovirus Detection by RTPCR. For enterovirus detection in specimens other than CSF and blood, order Enterovirus Culture.
Methodology:
Real-time Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
CPT Code:
87498
 
See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery