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Dengue Virus RNA Detection  

 
IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

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: Dengue Virus RNA Detection 
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form with supplemental form
http://nphl.org/documents/CDC_Submission_Form_50.34_2020.pdf  
Synonym: Arbovirus, dengue virus RT-PCR  
Method:  
Availability: For more information, please review the current clinical guidelines for Zika virus testing at: https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/detail.html?CDCTestCode=CDC-10282  
Specimen: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)  
Collection Device: See link above. Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers and specimen source on container.  
Volume: See link above  
Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment:  Refrigerate 2-8°C.  Centrifuge and aliquot serum into sterile leak-proof tube, ASAP.  Place both CSF and serum at 2-8°C.
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Refrigerate 2-8°C.
Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container filled with frozen gel-packs to keep specimen refrigerated. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

 
Unacceptable: Severely lipemic, icteric or hemolyzed samples; heat-inactivated serum; multiple freeze thaw cycles  
Specimen Stability: See link above  
Reference Interval: NEGATIVE - No significant level of detectable dengue virus RNA
POSITIVE – Dengue virus RNA detected  
Reportable Disease: Report positive Dengue results as Arbovirus infection within 7d to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.  
Comments: Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

Documentation must accompany the specimen to include the following information:  symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel, and vaccine history. 

During the first 7d of these illnesses, viral RNA can often be identified in serum, and RT-PCR is the preferred test for all chikungunya, dengue and Zika viruses. Refer to Dengue Fever Virus Antibody IgM test for specimens collected after 7d.

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

Test performed at the CDC branch in Ft Collins CO under Arbovirus. Submit all specimens for CDC through the NPHL, NOT directly to the CDC.
For more information, please review the current clinical guidelines for Zika virus testing at: https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/detail.html?CDCTestCode=CDC-10282  
Revised: 6/9/2021 
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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