Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code
16047


CPT Codes
87634

Preferred Specimen
Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab submitted in 3 mL M4 media or VCM medium (green-cap) tube, or UTM equivalent, or
2 mL bronchial lavage or sputum collected in a plastic, sterile, leak-proof container


Minimum Volume
0.6 mL


Instructions
Nasopharyngeal or Throat swab: Use sterile vials containing M4 media or UTM/VCM, sterile saline or PBS. If using swabs, use only sterile Dacron or rayon swabs.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial wash: submit in a sterile container

Sputum: Collect in a sputum collection kit or a sterile, plastic container with a leak-proof cap.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Nasopharyngeal swab
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Oropharyngeal swab
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Bronchial lavage, sputum
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Specimens containing calcium alginate swabs


Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-4 days


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
This test is used to determine the presence of respiratory synctial virus (RSV) in a patient's specimen. Organisms may be detected by PCR prior to diagnosis by immunological methods. PCR provides more rapid results than other methods, including culture.




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.