Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Respiratory

Test Code
13998


CPT Codes
87502<br>This test is not available for New York patient testing.

Includes
Influenza A and Influenza H5


Preferred Specimen
1 swab nasopharyngeal, anterior nares, or oropharyngeal swab submitted in a VCM (green-cap), or equivalent (UTM) tube or
1 mL bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL)/wash collected in a sterile leak-proof container


Minimum Volume
1 swab • 1 mL


Instructions
Each Influenza A H5 specimen should be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag. If swabbing multiple upper respiratory sites, it is acceptable to place multiple 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, UTM equivalent or Plastic leak-proof container


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Tubes containing guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) • Calcium alginate swabs • Cotton swabs with wooden shaft • Amies liquid or gel transport used for bacterial cultures • Tubes with clot activator • Glass tubes • Snap-cap tubes • 3D printed swabs


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

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

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


Reference Range
Influenza ANot detected
Influenza H5Not detected


Clinical Significance
The Influenza A (H5) Virus RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR 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. This 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.




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.