Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

3 mL serum (minimum 1.5 mL)

Collect blood standard red-top, allow blood to clot at room temperature. The specimen should be centrifuged as soon as possible, and serum transferred to a new aliquot tube.

Refrigerated.

Room temperature: Unacceptable. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 30 days.

Samples received in original collection container.  Heparinized specimens. Serum received in a frozen serum separator tube (SST®). Serum received in an unspun serum separator tube. Serum received in a standard red-top tube (not transferred to plastic transfer tube).

Quest test code 93870, ZIKPCR

The Zika Virus RNA, Qualitative, Real-Time RT-PCR is a real-time RT-PCR test intended for the qualitative detection of RNA from Zika virus in human serum collected from individuals meeting CDC Zika virus clinical criteria and/or CDC Zika virus epidemiological criteria. Test results are for the identification of Zika viral RNA. Zika viral RNA is generally detectable in serum during the acute phase of infection and up to 7 days following onset of symptoms, if present, or longer in a pregnant woman. A positive result provides evidence of Zika virus infection. Within the United States and its territories, positive Zika test results are reported, as required, to the appropriate public health authorities. Negative results do not rule out Zika virus infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions.