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

Message

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

Test Code

FLUCJQ or 18203

Alias/See Also

H5N1,Avian Influenza A H5N1,H5,Avian Flu,Flu A,Flu A/B,Flu B

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

1 or 2 conjunctiva swabs submitted in a 3 mL VCM (green-cap) or equivalent (UTM) tube

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

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. If swabbing both eyes, it is acceptable to place both swabs into one vial of VCM or equivalent.
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

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 test is for detection of influenza A virus, with reflex to H5 typing. The H5 reflex is a qualitative molecular diagnostic test performed on influenza A positive samples to identify Influenza A H5 virus, including H5N1, commonly known as Avian Influenza. The reflex test does not subtype for seasonal influenza viruses. This test is intended to be performed on conjunctiva 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.