Test Details
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Evaluate lower respiratory tract infections in young children. Severe life-threatening infections due to respiratory syncytial virus can occur during the first few years. Acquired immunity is incomplete and reinfection can occur later.
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (eg, nasopharyngeal aspirate). Indicate a specific test number on the test request form.
Limitations
1. Negative results do not preclude RSV infection, and confirmation testing by an alternative method is recommended in patients highly suspicious for RSV infection.
2. Freezing of the sample may also diminish detection of the antigen.
3. Results should be correlated with the clinical history, epidemiological data and other data available to the clinician evaluating the patient.
4. The performance of this test has not been evaluated for use in patients without signs and symptoms of respiratory infection.
5. Therapeutic anti-RSV monoclonal antibodies may interfere with this assay.
6. Performance characteristics have not been established for use with patients older than 20 years of age and for immunocompromised patients.
References
Custom Additional Information
This test allows rapid diagnosis of the presence of respiratory syncytial virus. It avoids the necessity of obtaining acute and convalescent specimens over a two-week period. It may be particularly useful in children younger than six months old, whose antibody response to infection may not be diagnostic.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Nasopharyngeal (NP) washes or aspirates (preferred), NP swabs; refrigerated or frozen
Volume
2 to 3 mL washes or 0.5 to 1 mL aspirates
Container
Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport provided by LabCorp, or other appropriate transport medium; sterile leakproof container for washes or aspirates
Collection Instructions
Nasopharyngeal wash or aspirate using routine collection and transport procedure. Nasal swabs are not considered as sensitive for RSV detection. Avoid using collection containers with preservatives or transport that may contain interfering substances. Do not use calcium alginate swabs. Obtain sample during acute phase of illness when greatest amount of viral shedding occurs. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Reference Range
Negative
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate for 72 hours or freeze if held longer.
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additives; specimen excessively bloody; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); wooden shaft swab or calcium alginate swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 014548 | RSV Ag, EIA | 68966-1 | 014548 | RSV Ag, EIA | 68966-1 | |
| Order Code | 014548 | |||||
| Order Code Name | RSV Ag, EIA | |||||
| Order Loinc | 68966-1 | |||||
| Result Code | 014548 | |||||
| Result Code Name | RSV Ag, EIA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 68966-1 |