Influenza PCR Panel, FLU PCR inpatients

Test Code

FLUXP

Includes

Influenza A PCR, Influenza A subtype 2009 H1N1 PCR, Influenza B PCR

Preferred Specimen

Nasopharynx swab in UVTM or Nasopharynx wash/aspirate or swab in saline

Instructions

Must be Inpatient only
Swab the nasopharynx with a sterile nylon flocked, rayon, Dacron, foam or cotton swab and transport in Universal Virus Transport Medium (UVTM). Or
Suction through a sterile trap tube to collect wash or aspirate specimens. Use a small volume of sterile saline without preservatives if necessary, not to exceed a final specimen volume of 3 ml.

Transport Container

UVTM (Univeral Virus Transport Medium) or Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate (VCM swabs are acceptable)

Specimen Stability

UVTM - Swab Refrigerated up to 72 hours and Room temperature up to 48 hours
Wash or aspirate without preservative: Refrigerated up to 24 hours and Room temperature up to 4 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Compromising Facotrs: 15% sodium chloride with preservatives, blood, Zicam® Nasal Gel, menthol, mucin, mupirocin, Anefrin Nasal Spray, Neo-Synephrine® Nasal Drops, tobramycin.

Methodology
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for influenza A, influenza A subtype 2009H1N1, and influenza B viruses

Setup Schedule

The Laboratory provides FLU PCR results within 2 hours of specimen receipt. HEO outlines have been updated to include this choice under both Adult and Pediatric influenza.

Limitations

Due to high cost, Infectious Disease recommends PCR testing for extremely ill inpatients only.

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.