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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR
Test Code16047
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
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, 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.
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 swabs
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Oropharyngeal swabs
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Bronchial lavage and sputum
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Specimens containing heparin • Specimens with calcium alginate swabs • Samples in uncapped or broken containers • Leaking samples
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-3 days
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.
