Influenza A and B RNA, Qualitative RT-PCR, Respiratory with Reflex to H5

Message

**This test is not available for New York patient testing**

Test Code

FLURSQ or 18201

CPT Codes
87502

Includes

If Influenza A RNA, PCR is Detected, then Influenza A Virus RNA, H5 Subtyping, Qualitative Real-Time PCR will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87503).

Preferred Specimen

Nasopharyngeal swab or anterior nares or oropharyngeal swab submitted in a 3 mL VCM (green-cap) or equivalent (UTM) tube

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL VCM or UTM • 1 mL bronchial lavage/wash

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 mL bronchial lavage/wash collected in a sterile leak-proof container

Instructions

Each Influenza type A/B RNA with reflex to H5 specimen should be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag.
This test is not approved for observed-self collection at Quest Patient Service Centers.

Transport Container

VCM (green-cap) or equivalent (UTM) tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Swabs
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 30 days

Bronchial lavage/wash
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Calcium alginate swabs • Wooden shafted swabs • Nasal specimens

Methodology
Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

1-2 days

Reference Range

Influenza A RNA, PCR: Not Detected
Influenza B RNA, PCR: Not Detected
Influenza A Virus RNA, H5 Subtyping, QL RT PCR: Not Detected

Clinical Significance

This screening test reflexes to the Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR test when influenza A is detected. The H5 reflex is a qualitative multi-target molecular diagnostic test that aids in the detection of the Influenza A H5 virus, including H5N1, commonly known as Avian Influenza. The reflex test does not detect influenza B or other respiratory viruses. This test is intended to be performed on respiratory specimens collected from individuals suspected of infection with Influenza A H5, or who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical and/or epidemiological criteria for Influenza A H5N1 testing. For details visit: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/clinicians-evaluating-patients

Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics

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.