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Test Code LAB3951 Rotavirus Antigen, Stool

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory-Microbiology

Methodology

Lateral flow assay (LFA)

Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

≥0.5 mL of fresh liquid stool or ≥0.5 g of fresh soft stool in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container

 

 Collection Procedure:

1. Collect ≥0.5 mL of fresh liquid stool or ≥0.5 g of fresh soft stool.

2. Place specimen in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container. (Stool in container with preservative is not acceptable.)

3. Maintain sterility and transport promptly to the BJH microbiology laboratory.

4. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen. Specimen must be received within 24 hours of collection.

 

Notes: 

1. Stool collected in any container that contains preservatives is unacceptable and will be rejected.

2. Specimen should not be collected following a barium enema.

3. Previously frozen specimen is acceptable.

4.  Specimen source is required.

5.  Collect specimens during the acute phase of gastroenteritis at which time viral particles and antigens are excreted in large numbers.  Peak viral counts occur 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms.  Samples collected more than 7 days after the onset of symptoms may not contain enough rotavirus antigen to produce a positive reaction.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Turnaround Time:
Within 24 hours from receipt to the laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87425

Reference Values

Negative

 

Literature Reference:

Remel Xpert Rotavirus Package Insert, Remel Inc., April 2008

Test Limitations

  1. Stool collected in any container that contains preservatives is unacceptable and will be rejected.
  2.  A negative result does not rule out the possibility of rotavirus infection in a patient.  False-negative results may occur with specimens containing rotavirus antigen concentrations below the test detection level.
  3. Samples collected more than 7 days after the onset of symptoms may not contain enough rotavirus antigens to produce a positive reaction.
  4. Coinfection with bacterial pathogens is possible.  Testing for presence of bacterial pathogens in parallel with rotavirus testing should be considered if clinically indicated.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient (YES), Refrigerated (YES)

 

If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen. Specimen must be received within 24 hours of collection

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

 

Minimum Volume:

0.5 mL of fresh liquid stool or 0.5 g of fresh soft stool in a leak-proof, screw-capped, sterile container