NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
Influenza Virus RNA Detection
|
| Synonym: |
Flu PCR or RT-PCR, Influenza Confirmation, FLUPCR |
| Method: |
- Qualitative nucleic acid amplified real time RT-PCR assay
|
| Availability: |
- Pre-approval needed from state or local health department
- Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444
- Order FLUPCR in NUlirt
- Performed Monday - Friday
- Turnaround time - 7 days
|
| Specimen: |
- Upper Respiratory Tract:
- posterior-pharyngeal swab
- nasopharyngeal or nasal swab
- nasal aspirate, or nasal wash
- Lower Respiratory Tract:
- tracheal aspirate,
- bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL),
- bronchial washes,
- endotracheal aspirate
- endotracheal wash
- sputum
- lung tissue.
|
| Collection Device: |
- Human respiratory specimens in Viral Transport Media (VTM)
- Seal with Parafilm™ or tape
- Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms
|
| Volume: |
- Collect 2-3 mL from nasopharygeal wash (using normal saline) or BAL
|
| Storage/Transport: |
- NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.
|
| Unacceptable: |
Slides, smears; unacceptable sources; Sputum, tracheal aspirates, or throat swabs or samples collected in non-viral transport media or using a bacterial culture swab; dry swabs; wood shaft or calcium alginate swabs; samples collected in EIA or extracted transport media. |
| Specimen Stability: |
- Stable at 2-8° C for 72 hours
- Frozen 1 month
|
| Reference Interval: |
|
| Reportable Disease: |
|
| Comments: |
- A false negative result may occur if a specimen is improperly collectec, transported, or handled
- False negative results may also occur if amplification inhibitors are present in the specimen or if inadequate numbers of organims are present in the specimen
|
| Revised: |
4/2/2024 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.
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