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Rapid Flu by PCR
MessageTest performed at York Hospital Laboratory.
Test Code
FLUPCR1
Alias/See Also
Influenza A & B Ag, Rapid by PCR
CPT Codes
87502
Includes
Flu A
Flu B
Flu B
Preferred Specimen
Nasal swab, transported in a red-top tube (no gel)
Other Acceptable Specimens
Nasopharyngeal swab, transported in a red-top tube (no gel)
Instructions
Rayon, foam, HydraFlock flocked swab, Copan Standard Flocked swab, or polyester nasal swabs can be used. Do not use calcium alginate or Puritan Purlock Ultra flocked swabs.
Samples may be placed into a suitable transport media. Acceptable transport media include: liquid Amies medium (non-gel), liquid Stuart medium, M4, normal saline, and phosphate buffered saline.
Samples may be placed into a suitable transport media. Acceptable transport media include: liquid Amies medium (non-gel), liquid Stuart medium, M4, normal saline, and phosphate buffered saline.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: not recommended
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: not recommended
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Collection with calcium alginate or Puritan Purlock Ultra flocked swabs
Visibly bloody samples
Visibly bloody samples
Methodology
PCR
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Next day
Available STAT 1/2 Hour
Available STAT 1/2 Hour
Reference Range
| Flu A | Negative |
| Flu B | Negative |
Clinical Significance
This test is intended to aid the rapid differential diagnosis of influenza A and/or B viral infections. A negative test is presumptive and it is recommended these results be confirmed by cell culture. Negative results do not preclude influenza virus infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other management decisions.
