Test Overview
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
The DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa™ Flu A/B & RSV Direct Gen II assay is intended for use on the LIAISON® MDX instrument for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs (primarily) from human patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection in conjunction with clinical and epidemiological risk factors. This test is intended for use as an aid in the differential diagnosis of influenza A, influenza B, and RSV viral infections in humans.
If infection with a novel influenza A virus is suspected based on current clinical and epidemiological screening criteria recommended by public health authorities, specimens should be collected with appropriate infection control precautions for novel virulent Influenza viruses and sent to the state or local health department for testing.
Negative
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
A negative test does not rule out infection. The specimen must be taken at the appropriate time during infection and properly stored and transported; if optimum conditions are not met, the viral agents may not be detected in the presence of an infection.
Test Details
1 day (6 hours for UM Inpatient and ED)
- Respiratory viruses Screen
- RSV by PCR
- Influenza Virus (A, B) by PCR
- Influenza B by PCR
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus by PCR
- Influenza A by PCR
- Viral Respiratory Screen
- Influenza Virus (A, B) by PCR
- Swine Flu (H1N1) Screen
Specimen Requirements
With the patient's head stabilized, gently insert the flocked swab horizontally along the floor of the nasal passage (parallel to the palate), directed toward the posterior nasopharynx. Do not angle the swab superiorly toward the cribriform plate.
Advance the swab until resistance is met at the posterior nasopharyngeal wall (typically 5–7 cm in adults; proportionally less in children). The swab should reach a depth approximately equal to the distance from the nostril to the tragus of the ear.
Rotate the swab gently 2–3 times against the posterior nasopharyngeal mucosa, maintaining firm but gentle contact. Leave in place for 5–10 seconds to allow adequate specimen absorption.
Withdraw the swab slowly and steadily while continuing to rotate. Avoid contact with the anterior nares, nasal hairs, or facial skin on removal.
Immediately place the swab into the labeled viral transport media (VTM) tube. Break or cut the swab shaft at the score line and discard the upper portion. Secure the cap tightly.
Transport on ice and deliver to the laboratory as soon as possible.
For patients seen in the ER (CES or ESA) please order test code ERSC instead of PCRSC. Test code ERSC will receive priority testing and is only approved for use by clinicians in the emergency department.
1 Viral transport media (BD UVT, Copan UTM or equivalent)
>7days Freeze -20 to -70°C
Additional Information
Adenovirus testing is not included in this panel.