Viral Culture, Rapid, Influenza A and Influenza B Virus

TEST: 186023
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CPT: 87254(x2)
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Synonyms

  • Culture, Viral, Influenza Virus
  • Flu Culture
  • Influenza Virus Culture

Test Includes

Shell vials or equivalent multiwell plate cell culture; identification (additional CPT codes/charges will apply) if culture results warrant. This culture is for the isolation of influenza A and influenza B, other viral agents will not routinely be detected. CPT coding for microbiology and virology procedures often cannot be determined before the culture is performed. If a virus other than those specified for this virus-specific culture are recovered, identification will be made, and an additional charge will apply. The client will not be telephoned to approve this charge.

Special Instructions

If reflex testing is performed, concomitant CPT codes/charges will apply.

Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (eg, nasopharynx). Indicate a specific test number on the test request form. Do not use transport devices beyond their expiration date.

Expected Turnaround Time

2 - 4 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.

Related Information

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Comprehensive Influenza Testing

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Throat or nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or wash, sputum, bronchial washings, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)

Container

Viral transport medium for swabs

Collection

See Virus Culture, General [008573].

Storage Instructions

Specimens should be placed into viral transport medium and kept cold at all times. Do not freeze specimens.

Causes for Rejection

Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additive; specimen received in expired transport medium or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and test request label

Test Details

Use

Isolate and identify influenza virus as an etiologic agent in cases of influenza and viral pneumonia

Methodology

Shell vials or equivalent multiwell plate culture with fluorescent antibody staining

Reference Interval

No virus isolated

References

Harmon MW, Kendal AP. Influenza viruses. In: Balows A, Hausler WJ, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 5th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press;1991:868-877.
Shaw MW, Arden NH, Maassab HF. New aspects of influenza viruses. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1992; 5(1):74-92. 1310439
Van Voris LP. Influenza viruses. In: Belshe RB, ed. Textbook of Human Virology. Littleton, Mass: PSG Publishing Co; 1984:267-297.

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
186023 Viral Culture,Rapid,Influenza 6604-3 186023 Viral Culture,Rapid,Influenza 6604-3
Reflex Table for Viral Culture,Rapid,Influenza
Order Code Order Name Result Code Result Name UofM Result LOINC
Reflex 1 186025 Viral Identification 186025 Viral Identification 615-5

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