Test Order Name - Influenza A/B Typing Real-time PCR
Synonym(s) - Influenza PCR
Methodology - Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) for Testing -
- Upper respiratory specimens: Nasopharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasal wash, or aspirate.
- Lower respiratory specimens: bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial wash, tracheal aspirate, and sputum
Transport / Collection Medium - Respiratory specimens should be collected and placed into Universal viral transport media (UVT) or universal transport media (UTM). Transport specimens refrigerated at 2 to 8⁰C. Alternatively Ship specimens on dry ice in compliance with DoT and IATA regulations governing Biological Substances, Category B (UN 3373) Monday -Thursday. Specimen can also be sent via courier Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Storage and Preservation of Specimen - Store at 2 to 8⁰C for up to 72 hours; otherwise freeze at ≤-70⁰C.
Minimum Volume Required - 2 milliliters
Additional Collection Instructions - Requisition required for all specimens.
Additional Required Information - Label specimens with at least 2 patient identifiers
Send Out? - No
Turnaround Time - 7 business days from receipt
Limitations / Notes / Disclaimers - Please refer to the San Francisco Communicable Disease Control Unit for more additional acceptable specimen types and for more information