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
