Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This is a PCR assay used to detect parechovirus RNA. Parechoviruses are associated with encephalitis and febrile illness in young infants and are a potential cause of neonatal sepsis-like presentation. Infection is normally self-limited in the immunocompetent. Samples should be sent form the site of suspected infection if possible (CSF, EDTA blood in fever in infants/neonates). Viral RNA can also be detected in stool for several weeks after infection.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF in sterile Universal container, Stool in a universal container, swab in viral transport medium, blood in EDTA.
Specimen container adult:
CSF in sterile Universal container, Stool in a universal container, swab in viral transport medium, blood in EDTA.
Minimum volume paediatric:
- 0.5ml CSF
- Scoop of faeces into universal container using integrated spoon
- 1 Swab from site
- 1ml EDTA blood
Minimum volume adult:
- 0.5ml CSF
- Scoop of faeces into universal container using integrated spoon
- 1 Swab from site
- 1ml EDTA blood
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add On Test:
Possible up to 6 days
Quality Assurance:
External Quality Assurance Scheme: INSTAND.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference Ranges:
None available
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 43)
Other Info:
N/A