Laboratory Test Guide

Entero/parechovirus by PCR Qualitative

General Information

Lab Name

Enterovirus and Parechovirus Qualitative PCR, Tissue/Cells

Lab Code

EPVQLT

Epic Name

Enterovirus and Parechovirus Qualitative PCR, Tissue/Cells

Description

This assay tests for the qualitative presence of parechovirus and enterovirus by RT-PCR detection of viral RNA. This assay detects Enterovirus D68. It does not distinguish which serotype of enterovirus or parechovirus is present. The enterovirus primers and probes target a 116 base fragment of the viral 5’ untranslated region. This region is the most conserved among >100 enterovirus genotypes. The parechovirus primers and probe target a 64 base fragment of the viral polyprotein. The amount of enterovirus/parechovirus required for detection in 95% of replicates is 500 viral copies/mL (2.70 log copies/mL). Results are reported out as “positive” (if cycle threshold is 40 or less) or “not detected”.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Synonyms

Coxsackie virus, Echovirus, Enterovirus, HPeV, parechovirus

Components

Code	Name
EPVSD	Entero/Parechovirus PCR Specimen
ENTQL	Enterovirus PCR result
PEVQL	Parechovirus PCR Result
EPVMTH	Entero/Parechovirus PCR Method

Interpretation

Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Reference Range

See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood, CSF, BAL, Washing, Body fluid, Swab, Stool, or Tissue.

Collection

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube.

CSF: 1 mL in sterile container.

BAL/Washing/Body fluid/Swab: 1 mL in sterile container.

Stool: 3-5 gm (minimum 1 gm)

Tissue: Pea Size in sterile tube or universal transport media (UTM).

Also Acceptable: 3 mL blood in GOLD SST, RED, or PPT (PEARL TOP) tube.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture/Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

Handling Instructions

Refrigerate within 4 hours of collection. Send refrigerated specimen at 2 to 8°C to lab on ice packs within 48 hours of collection. Specimens frozen at -20°C are acceptable on dry ice.

Quantity

requested: See Collection
minimum: 0.5 mL

Processing

Send sample to UW Virology Laboratory within 4 hours of collection. If sample cannot arrive within 4 hours of collection, store sample at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). If time from collection may exceed 48 hours, freeze sample at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Virology, Eastlake (EVIR)

Performing Location(s)

Other	Virology, Molecular 206-685-6656 Virology Laboratory, Ste 320 1616 Eastlake Ave E. Seattle, WA 98102