Zika virus PCR

Diagnostic Use

Zika virus is an arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is related to other flaviviruses including dengue virus, yellow fever virus, and West Nile virus. Clinical manifestations of Zika virus infection occur in approximately 20 percent of patients and include acute onset of low-grade fever with maculopapular pruritic rash, arthralgia (notably small joints of hands and feet), or conjunctivitis (nonpurulent).

Acute sample required . Serum is positive for up to 5 days after onset of symptoms. Urine is positive for up to 10 days after onset of symptoms

Zika 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.

Dengue 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

Laboratory

Testing is batched daily Monday-Friday at approximately 9.30am, with results available from mid-afternoon.

Test Adds

Add-ons can be made if an appropriate sample has already been received for other PCR testing. Please call Virology to discuss.

Synonyms

Arbovirus PCR
Zika

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

9273