Test Code LAB5072 Influenza A / B and RSV Molecular Detection by NAT
Specimen Type
Nasopharyngeal Swab
Specimen Requirement
Nasopharyngeal swab: NP swab in 3 mL universal transport media.
Remove excess excretions from anterior nares. Incline the patient’s head back. Gently insert the mini-tip flexible flocked swab straight back. Keep the swab near the septum floor of the nose while gently pushing the swab into the osterior nasopharynx until resistance is felt. Rotate the swab 2-3 times and hold in place for 5 seconds and remove from nostril carefully. Place swab in universal transport media and break off swab at scored marking.
Nasopharyngeal swab specimen collection posters are available upon request from the Microbiology Lab.
Rejection Criteria
Reject if specimen container unlabeled or leaking.
Reject for inappropriate storage or transfer.
Storage and Transport
Transport the specimen to the Laboratory immediately or store the specimen at 2-8° C and transport to the Microbiology Lab at 2-8° C within 72 hours.
For longer storage, the specimen may be frozen at -70° C or colder and transported on dry ice.
Testing Schedule
Performed daily
Reference Range
Not Detected
Testing Department
Microbiology
Method
Qualitative detection of influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus by nucleic acid testing.
CPT Code
87631
Additional Testing Locations
This test is also performed daily at the following Altru Clinics:
- Devils Lake
STAT Turnaround Time
60 minutes
Routine Turnaround Time
24 hours