Respiratory Virus Multiplex RT-PCR

Diagnostic Use

Respiratory pathogens cause acute local and systemic disease of varying severity, with the most severe cases occurring in children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Respiratory symptoms can include coughing, nasal discharge, congestion, fever, wheezing, headache and myalgia. Due to the similarity of diseases caused by many viruses and bacteria, diagnosis based on clinical symptoms alone is difficult. Identification of potential causative agents provides data to assist in determining appropriate patient treatment and the response for disease containment.

Respiratory PCR testing is available only if clinical criteria are met, please ensure relevant clinical details are included on the request form. Without clinical details requests will not be processed unless discussed with and approved by a Microbiologist.

PLEASE NOTE: If Mycoplasma pneumonia testing is required, please specify separately on the request form.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

ALPX

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Swab samples can be shared for Respiratory Screening (SARS-CoV-2, Rapid Influenza/RSV)

Laboratory

Requests are batch tested daily Monday - Friday, approx 1100; results available mid-late afternoon. Urgent or weekend testing must be discussed with and approved by a Microbiologist.

Test Adds

After processing, samples for rapid respiratory screening are stored for 4 weeks before discard. Add-on requests for Respiratory Multiplex PCR may be made for other appropriate tests during this time frame by contacting Virology if clinical indications are met. Approval from a Microbiologist may be required..

Synonyms

Adenovirus respiratory DNA
Human metapneumovirus RNA
Parainfluenzavirus RNA
Rhinovirus RNA
Full Resp panel
Respiratory panel
Resp PCR

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

5189

Specimen Type

• Nasopharyngeal Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral

Acceptable

• Pottle

Additional Specimen Information

The preferred samples for respiratory viral PCR are Nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate in virus transport medium (VTM)

Lower respiratory tract specimens (BAL, BW), nasal wash, and sputum specimens may be tested .

Respiratory pathogen detection depends on the collection of high quality specimens, their rapid transport to the laboratory plus appropriate handling prior to laboratory testing.

Samples should be taken as early as possible within the first 3-5 days after onset of symptoms.

For current Respiratory Virus Streaming protocols and testing algorithms, please check PRISM.

Testing of full multiplex panel is targeted to patients who are immunocompromised, requiring intensive care, or otherwise highly vulnerable. Please note relevant clinical details on requests to ensure the multiplex panel is added on.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

Single or multiple viruses may be detected. All viruses will be reported.

Assistance with interpretation is available from the Virology/Serology Service 0800 THE LAB extn 80356

Test Method

Multiplex RT-PCR for detection of human rhinovirus, human seasonal coronaviruses NL63, 229E and OC43, human parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4, human metapneumoviruses A/B, human bocavirus, human respiratory syncytial viruses A/B, human adenovirus and enterovirus.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is no longer part of the multiplex panel and must be specifically requested.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$95.00 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

5006

Test Availability - Daily Mon - Fri. Weekends and after hours after consultation

Resources

• Swab Guide
• Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection
• Inpatient Respiratory Streaming Guide Oct 2024 (92 KB)

Contact Information

Enquiry Form