Brief Description

Influenza Polymerase Chain Reaction
Virus Culture

Laboratory Unit

Molecular (rRT-PCR) & Virology (virus culture) 

Methodology

Real-Time RT-PCR
Virus Culture

Specimen Collection

Storage/Transport

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Upper respiratory tract clinical specimens

  • Nasopharyngeal Swab
  • Nasal Swab
  • Throat Swab
  • Nasal Aspirate
  • Nasal Wash
  • Nasopharyngeal Swab / Throat Swab combination

Lower respiratory tract clinical specimens

  • Bronchial Alveolar Lavage
  • Bronchial Wash
  • Tracheal Aspirate
  • Sputum
  • Lung tissue

Test Request Form(s)

Possible Results

Real-Time PCR
Influenza A Detected
Influenza B Detected
Invalid (Specimen is inadequate for testing, a new specimen may need to be collected)
Influenza Not Detected
Influenza AH3 Detected
Influenza A 2009 H1N1pdm Detected
Influenza A(H3N2)v Presumptively Detected, specimen being forwarded to CDC for confirmation
Influenza A Virus Detected, Subtyping Not Performed
Influenza B, Victoria Lineage Detected
Influenza B, Yamagata Lineage Detected
Influenza B Detected, Lineage Genotyping Not Performed
Inconclusive
Unsatisfactory

Virus Culture
Influenza A Isolated
Influenza A (H1) Seasonal Isolated
Influenza A (H3) Isolated
Influenza 2009 A (H1N1) pdm Isolated
Influenza B Isolated
Influenza B/Victoria Lineage Isolated
Influenza B/Yamagata Lineage Isolated
No Virus Isolated
Unsatisfactory
Test Cancelled
Inconclusive for Influenza 

* Effective October 1, 2021, all specimens submitted for Influenza Real-Time PCR analysis will also receive testing for SARS-CoV-2 by Real-Time PCR analysis.

Unacceptable Conditions

Improperly identified
Not meeting laboratory testing criteria

Interfering Substances

Use only viral transport medium and synthetic Dacron/flocked swab or equivalent.  Do not use wooden shaft or cotton swab.

Result Reported

rRT-PCR - Typically, testing is performed and results are reported the same day the specimen is received.

Virus Culture - Up to 14 days

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information