Norovirus PCR

TEST DESCRIPTION

Laboratory-developed test for the detection of norovirus by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in patients with gastrointestinal illness. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting and/or diarrhea) in the United States.

Methodology

RT-PCR

Reference range

Negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available one business day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Stool in a sterile container: walnut-sized (or ping pong ball) amount.
• Stool in Cary Blair medium: walnut-sized (or ping pong ball) amount.
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE

Stool in a sterile container: Store refrigerated (2°C–8°C/36°F–46°F) for up to 3 weeks. 

Stool in Cary Blair medium: Store at refrigerated to room temperature (2–25°C/36–77°F) for up to 4 days.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Holding time greater than 3 weeks for refrigerated specimens
• Holding time greater than 4 days for room-temperature specimens in Cary Blair medium
• Specimen container not labeled 
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 

CODES

CPT: 87798
LOINC: 7974-9
Test code: 6100

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

For best results, stool specimens should be obtained during the acute phase of illness (48 to 72 hours of illness). Stools are accepted up to 7–10 days after onset.

1. Label the sterile container (patient name, collection date/time).
2. Lift the toilet seat and place the white stool collection device at the rear of the toilet bowl; lower the seat.
3. Pass/expel the stool into the white stool collection device.
4. Using the wooden scoop, transfer stool from areas are bloody, slimy, or watery. If firm, scoop from both ends and middle. 
   1. Transfer a walnut-sized amount of stool into the sterile container or Cary Blair medium using a scoop.
   2. Carefully tighten the cap.
   3. Place the container inside the main compartment of the biohazard bag and zip tightly to seal.
5. Fill out the requisition form completely. Fold it in half once and place in the outer pocket of the biohazard specimen.
6. Transport at refrigerated temperature to the laboratory within 3 weeks of collection.