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COVID19 / Influenza / RSV - Cepheid
Test CodeIRCPCR
Alias/See Also
SARS-CoV-2 / Flu / RSV test, COVID / Flu / RSV test, Cepheid 4-in-1 test
Includes
SARS CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV
Preferred Specimen
Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab in transport media (VTM or UTM)
Minimum Volume
1 swab
Instructions
1. Follow AHC personal protective policy, gown, glove, and use face protection when collecting specimen.
2. Collect Nasopharyngeal Swab (calcium alginate swabs or cotton swabs with a wooden shaft may not be used),
4. Label specimen per hospital policy.
5. Hand deliver the sample to the lab.
2. Collect Nasopharyngeal Swab (calcium alginate swabs or cotton swabs with a wooden shaft may not be used),
- Gently insert the swab into the nostril. Keep the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the post nasopharynx
- As a visual reference, the swab should be inserted about half the distance from the opening of the patient’s nostril and the ear. Rotate the swab several times.
4. Label specimen per hospital policy.
5. Hand deliver the sample to the lab.
Transport Container
UTM viral transport media (red top) or VCM viral culture media (green top)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days
Methodology
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay
Limitations
- Erroneous test results might occur from improper specimen collection; failure to follow the recommended sample collection, handling, and storage procedures.
- False negative results may occur if virus is present at levels below the analytical limit of detection.
- Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2, influenza or RSV infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.
Reference Range
Not detected
Clinical Significance
An outbreak of respiratory illness of unknown etiology was initially reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019. Chinese authorities identified a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which has since spread globally, resulting in a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is associated with a variety of clinical outcomes, including asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory infection, severe lower respiratory disease including pneumonia and respiratory failure, and in some cases, death. The International Committee for Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) renamed the virus SARS-CoV-2.
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Transmission of influenza is primarily airborne (i.e., coughing or sneezing) and the peak of transmission usually occurs in the winter months. Symptoms commonly include fever, chills, headache, malaise, cough and sinus congestion. Influenza viruses are classified into types A, B, and C, the former two of which cause the most human infections. Influenza A is the most common type of influenza virus in humans, and is generally responsible for seasonal flu epidemics and potentially pandemics.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, consisting of two strains (subgroups A and B) is also the cause of a contagious disease that affects primarily infants, and the elderly who are immunocompromised. The virus can remain infectious for hours on countertops and toys and can cause both upper respiratory infections, such as colds, and lower respiratory infections manifesting as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Active surveillance programs in conjunction with infection prevention precautions are important components for preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV. The use of assays providing rapid results to identify patients infected with these viruses can be an important factor for effective control, proper choice of treatment, and prevention of widespread outbreaks.
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Transmission of influenza is primarily airborne (i.e., coughing or sneezing) and the peak of transmission usually occurs in the winter months. Symptoms commonly include fever, chills, headache, malaise, cough and sinus congestion. Influenza viruses are classified into types A, B, and C, the former two of which cause the most human infections. Influenza A is the most common type of influenza virus in humans, and is generally responsible for seasonal flu epidemics and potentially pandemics.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, consisting of two strains (subgroups A and B) is also the cause of a contagious disease that affects primarily infants, and the elderly who are immunocompromised. The virus can remain infectious for hours on countertops and toys and can cause both upper respiratory infections, such as colds, and lower respiratory infections manifesting as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Active surveillance programs in conjunction with infection prevention precautions are important components for preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV. The use of assays providing rapid results to identify patients infected with these viruses can be an important factor for effective control, proper choice of treatment, and prevention of widespread outbreaks.
