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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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INFLUENZA A/B RSV SARS-COV2,PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2531    Geisinger Epic ID:  44144

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Nasopharynx (Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab)(preferred/optimal specimen). 
Other acceptable specimen is Nasal Turbinate (mid-nasal turbinate) and self-collect nasal turbinate swabs. No other specimens.


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

One swab.


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on collection/transport device before use. 
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.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (2-8°C)


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature (15-25°C): 48 hours. Refrigerated (4°C): 7 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperatures. Specimens not in viral/universal transport medium. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens collected on wooden shafted swab. Expired transport medium. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Improper specimen types - tracheal aspirates, sputum, BAL, bronchial/nasal washings and throat specimens. Specimens improperly bagged.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative. No viral RNA for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus detected, SARS-COV-2 by PCR (Amplified Probe).


Interpretation guide: 

Respiratory Testing Algorithm


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive. Specific viral RNA (influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-COV-2) detected by PCR (Amplified Probe).
CPT code(s):  87637
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Molecular detection of viral RNA of influenza A/B,RSV /SARS-COV-2 from approved respiratory swab.


Methodology: 
Mutiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)
Synonyms: 

Comprehensive viral studies, viral culture, PCR, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, rapid virus testing, viral PCR, ABRP


Clinical significance: 

The rapid and accurate detection of respiratory viral pathogens helps facilitate appropriate patient management. Viral detection is important to rule out bacteria as a cause of respiratory tract disease, and limit antiobiotic therapy. Identification of some viruses can also establish an etiology, guide appropriate antiviral therapy, provide an accurate prognosis, and facilitate appropriate infection control isolation policies.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  07/01/2025

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