Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Message

THIS TEST IS NOT FOR PEDS PATIENTS, PLEASE ORDER COVID4PLEX.

Test Code

RSVPCRQ

Quest Code

16047

Alias/See Also

RSV PCR

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

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

Instructions

Nasopharyngeal or Throat swab: Use sterile vials containing M4 media or 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.

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 calcium alginate swabs

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-4 days

Reference Range

Not detected

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.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

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.