Influenza A and B Virus DFA and Culture

Test Code

C FLU

Alias/See Also

Influenza Culture and DFA
Flu Culture and DFA
SQL test code 4576

Includes

Cultured for: Influenza A and Influenza B

Preferred Specimen

Swabs in viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM). Acceptable sources include:

Nasopharyngeal (NP)
Nasal
Throat

Acceptable sources in sterile container without VTM or UTM:

Nasopharyngeal wash or aspirate
Tracheal aspirates
Nasal wash or aspirate
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Bronchial lavage/wash
Bronchial brush

Instructions

Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection:

Use only swabs with synthetic tip (e.g., Dacron, nylon, or rayon) and an aluminum or plastic shaft.
Grasp the shaft, using the thumb and forefinger; about 3 inches from the tip.
Gently insert the swab into one nostril, stopping when the swab contacts the mid-inferior portion of the inferior turbinate (1/3 to 1/2 the way up the shaft).
Gently rotate the swab tip several times to loosen and collect the material.
Gently withdraw the swab and place in VTM or UTM.
Refrigerate and send to lab.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Ambient: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 2 days
Frozen (-70°C): 30 days

Methodology
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test
Tissue Culture
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Setup Schedule

Days: Monday through Sunday

Report Available

DFA results available in 1 day.

If DFA result is negative or too few cells, culture is set and results are available in 2 - 3 days.

Reference Range

DFA: Negative
Culture: Negative for Virus isolation

Performing Laboratory
Sonora Quest Laboratories, Tempe

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.