Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

One swab.

Check expiration date on collection/transport device before use.
For BALs: Add 1 mL of specimen to UTM within one (1) hour of collection. 
                 Testing on BAL specimens will only be performed at the GMC campus. BAL specimens collected at other sites will be couriered to GMC. 
                 Expect delays in the turnaround time for this specimen type.
To ensure biosafety, respiratory specimens collected in UTM must be placed in individual biohazard bags at the collection site. This precaution is necessary because UTM specimens may leak and can contaminate other specimens or personnel handling the bags.

Refrigerated (2-8°C)

Stable 3 days at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C). Stable for 4 hours at room temperature (15-25°C). Stable for 30 days frozen (= -15°C or = -70°C).

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Specimens not in universal transport medium (UTM)/viral transport medium (VTM). Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens collected on wooden shafted swab. Expired transport medium. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Improper specimen type. Sputum specimens are not acceptable. Improper specimen types. Sputum, tracheal aspirate, nasopharyngeal washings, bronchial washings and throat specimens are not acceptable. Frozen specimens. Specimens improperly bagged.

Negative for all analytes tested

Respiratory Testing Algorithm

Molecular detection of analyte RNA/DNA from approved respiratory specimens. This assay detects and identifies the following analytes: Influenza A virus (H1, H3, 2009 H1 and non-subtypeable), influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, 3, and 4, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronaviruses: HKU1, NL63, 229E, OC43 and SARS-CoV-2,Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

Comprehensive viral studies, viral culture, PCR, influenza A, respiratory pathogen (PCR), influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, viral PCR, viral panel, respiratory viral panel, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, swine flu, novel flu, parainfluenza, coronavirus, coronavirus HKU1, coronavirus NL63, coronavirus 0C43, coronavirus 229E, FilmArray, multiplex PCR, Respiratory PCR, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae , walking pneumonia, community acquired pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, respiratory pathogen PCR, RPPCR.

Respiratory pathogens cause acute local and systemic disease of varying severity, with the most severe cases occurring in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Due to the similarity of diseases caused by many viruses and bacteria, diagnosis based on clinical symptoms alone is difficult. Identification of potential causative agents provides data to aid the physician in determining appropriate patient treatment and public health response for disease containment.