Chikungunya PCR

Diagnostic Use

Chikungunya virus is an arthropod-borne alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes that causes acute febrile polyarthralgia and inflammatory arthritis as well as acute cutaneous eruptions and other systemic manifestations. The name chikungunya is derived from an African language and means "that which bends up" or "stooped walk" because of the incapacitating arthralgia caused by the disease.

Chikungunya virus infection is often asymptomatic but when symptomatic the infection usually presents as an influenza-like syndrome, often mistaken with other Arboviral infections like Zika or Chikungunya.

Chikungumya infection may cause a rash that could be confused with Measles, Rubella or Zika

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

PARB

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Please collect a dedicated tube for PCR testing.

Separating

CHL separating - send tube directly to Virology. Referral lab - see referral section below for instruction

Turnaround Time

10 days

Test Code

9273

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• Pottle
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Pre-testing Requirements

Clinical history required that includes: date of symptom onset, description of symptoms, travel history country/countries visited together with dates and duration of stay.

Asymptomatic patients require GP consultation with a microbiologist or other medical specialist prior to collection of samples. Full travel history including dates of travel are also required.

Asymptomatic male or non-pregnant females require patient payment.

Asymptomatic pregnant patients will not have a patient charge.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

3.0

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

PCR also includes Zika and Dengue PCR

Non-Funded Test Cost

$171.06 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9273

Contact Information

Enquiry Form