Beginning Monday, December 22, 2014, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology laboratory will expand the testing schedule for respiratory virus PCR testing, including Influenza A and B.  The cutoff time for receipt of a sample in the lab for a same-day result will be moved to 2 PM from noon on weekdays and will remain at noon on weekends.

Please see the CDC’s “Guidance for Clinicians on the Use of RT-PCR and Other Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Influenza Virus Infection” for how these tests might best influence clinical decision making.

There are two PCR-based tests for influenza viruses available.  Ordering INFLUENZA A/B PANEL PCR (LAB7455) incurs a smaller charge if other respiratory viruses are not of clinical or epidemiological concern.

• RESPIRATORY VIRUS PCR (INFLUENZA) (LAB7366) tests for eight respiratory viruses: Influenza A (including H1N1), influenza B, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus.


• INFLUENZA A/B PANEL PCR (LAB7455): Tests for influenza A (including H1N1) and B viruses.

Questions concerning this broadcast can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford-1@uiowa.edu).