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RSV by PCR

Test Code
RSVPC


Alias/See Also
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV, RSVPC,


CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen
Nasopharyngeal swab, NP Swab


Other Acceptable Specimens
Swab in Viral transport media
Nasopharynx aspirate or wash


Instructions
  1. Nasopharynx Aspirate or Wash:　 The specimen of choice.
    1. Put a small amount of sterile, non-bacteriostatic saline into a sterile container:　
      • 0.5 - 2 ml for small children
      • 3-5 ml for adults
    2. Aspirate this into a bulb syringe for noses, or use other type of tubing/syringe combinations.
    3. Place the end of the bulb syringe or other tubing as far into the nose as comfortably possible.
    4. Squirt the saline into the nose, then aspirate the saline wash back into the bulb syringe
    5. Squirt this into a sterile container.
    6. Label container and send to lab ASAP.
    7. Lab will place into viral transprot media and immediately store at 40 C (Refrigerator)
  2. Swab:　 2 Foam tipped Dacron/polyester swabs with a plastic shaft. Wire shaft swabs are not recommended.　Obtain the proper foam-tipped swab from the stockroom
    1. Have patient blow nose if a large amount of secretions are present prior to performing collection.
    2. Best portion is to have patient sit with head against a wall or have someone hold an infant's head.
    3. Insert Foam nasopharyngeal swab through one nostril straight back with a slight downward curve following the natural position of nasopharynx, until reaching the posterior wall of the nasopharonyx-rotate swab against the surfac of posterior nasopharynx.  NOTE:  Do not force swab-if an obstruction is encountered, try the other side.
    4. Carefully remove swab and place it in paper packet or tube of viral transport media with patient label attached.Paper packet is OK only for immediate, onsite inpatient/ED testing.  Lab will place into viral transport media.
      1. Paper packet is OK only for inpatient/ED collection sites.
      2. Viral transport media should be used if specimen is collected at remote patient sites.
    5. NOTE:  It is best to swab both nostrils by repeating the process using a fresh swab for the second side of the nasopharynx.  Plac both swabs into the same viral transport media.


Transport Container
If specimen is preserved in Viral Transport Media or Universal Transport Media, and if refrigerated at 2-8ºC, it is acceptable to deliver to lab within　24-72 hours.　 If not in these conditions or if result is needed quickly, deliver to lab as soon as possible.


Setup Schedule
24x7


Reference Range
Negative


Clinical Significance
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 (e.g. patients with chronic lung disease or undergoing treatment for conditions that reduce the strength of their immune system). 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.  By the age of two years, most children have already been infected by RSV and because only weak immunity develops, both children and adults can be reinfected.


Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology
CCMC Laboratory



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.