Enteric Virus Panel (Virology)

Multiplex PCR including:

1)    Adenovirus 40/41
2)    Astrovirus
3)    Rotavirus
4)    Sapovirus
5)    Norovirus G1 and G2

Rotavirus, sapovirus, astrovirus and adenovirus are major causes of acute gastroenteritis. The majority of infections occur in infants and young children. Infections in the elderly are also reported for these agents, and chronic infections can result in immunocompromised patients.

Norovirus is the cause of epidemic gastroenteritis

General information

Specimen type and container: Faeces collected in a CE marked leak proof container

Specimen transport: Compliance with current postal and transportation regulations is essential. Clinical samples should be collected into a sterile leak-proof container in a sealed plastic bag. Appropriate hazard labelling according to local policy should be applied. Specimens should be transported as soon as possible.

Minimum volume of sample: Minimum volume 500µl

Special precautions: If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at room temperature.

Laboratory information

Measurement units: Threshold cycle (CT)

Biological reference units: Not applicable

Turn round time for provisional result (working days): 3 days

Turn round time to final result (working days): 4 days

Clinical information

Clinical decision points: Not applicable

Factors known to significantly affect the results: All samples are suitable for overnight refrigeration only, they must not be stored over a weekend

False negative results may occur for a variety of reasons, for example inappropriate timing of sample collection, inappropriate sample, presence of virus below the detectable limit of the assay. New and emerging variants may also occur which may not be detected by this assay. Towards the limit of detection of an assay sampling variation will result in lower reproducibility.

In order to provide the most clinically beneficial, operationally efficient and cost effective service the laboratory employs a number of multiplex assays and testing algorithms, which are based on UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations; it is normal practice to use these even when not all tests within the multiplex or algorithm are requested.

It is our policy to report all results along with the requested result to provide as much information as possible to aid diagnosis

 

(Last reviewed March 21st 2018)