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HelpTest ID HPFLU Influenza Virus Type A and Type B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Ordering Guidance
Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation of influenza during the early stages of the illness, testing for other respiratory infections (eg, COVID-19) may be warranted. If this test is ordered with HPCOV / Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), Molecular Detection, Varies, then both tests will be canceled and automatically reordered by the laboratory as SCOF4 / Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), Influenza Virus Type A and Type B RNA, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.
Specimen Required
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab
Container/Tube: Sterile container with viral transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen with a minimum of 1.5 mL (maximum 3 mL) of transport media
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosa surface to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4 or M5), saline, or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC).
Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Additional Information: Do not aliquot into viral transport media.
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Oropharyngeal (throat) swab, nasal mid-turbinate, or nares/nasal swab
Supplies:
-Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
-Swab, Sterile Polyester (T507)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: BBL Culture Swab or COPAN Mid-Turbinate Swab
Acceptable: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle
Submission Container/Tube: Swab in sterile container with transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen with a minimum of 1.5 mL (maximum 3 mL) of transport media
Collection Instructions: Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4, or M5), saline, or PBS. Media should not contain guanidine thiocyanate (GTC).
Specimen Type: Bronchial washings, endotracheal aspirate, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Additional Information: Do not aliquot into viral transport media.
Secondary ID
610411Useful For
Simultaneous detection of influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus in upper or lower respiratory tract specimens from individuals with flu-like illnesses
Testing Algorithm
For information see Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Testing Algorithm.
Specimen Type
VariesSpecimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Bloody specimen | Reject |
| Calcium alginate-tipped swab | Reject |
| Wooden shaft swab | Reject |
| Dry swab | Reject |
| Glass transport media tubes | Reject |
| Transport swab containing gel or charcoal additive | Reject |
| Sample tubes containing guanidine isothiocyanate, guanidine thiocyanate, or guanidine hydrochloride | Reject |
Reference Values
Undetected
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87631
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.