West Nile Virus PCR, CSF (Sendout)
General Information
Lab Name
West Nile Virus PCR, CSF
Lab Code
RCWNP
Epic Name
West Nile Virus PCR, CSF (Sendout)
External Test Id
WNCSF
Description
Useful For:
- Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens
- An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early WNV infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset)
This assay should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals and should only be used to test patients with signs and symptoms of WNV disease.
Synonyms
Arbovirus, Flavivirus, Mosquito Borne Encephalitis, Viral encephalitis, West Nile PCR, WNCSF, WNV
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| RCWNVR | West Nile Virus PCR Result,CSF |
Interpretation
Method
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes
Reference Values: Negative
Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) RNA and is consistent with early WNV infection.
Interferences and Limitations
Cautions:
The sensitivity of the assay is very dependent upon the time of illness onset in which the specimen is collected. Polymerase chain reaction testing has the greatest utility when used within the first few days of symptom onset.
A negative test does not exclude infection with West Nile virus (WNV). Therefore, the results obtained should be used in conjunction with clinical findings and serologic test results to make an accurate diagnosis.
This assay detects both viable and nonviable virus. Test performance depends on viral load in the specimen and may not correlate with cell culture performed on the same specimen.
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Collect 0.5 mL CSF in a sterile container
Handling Instructions
Outside Laboratories: Refrigerate CSF in a sterile vial.
Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Heat-inactivated or centrifuged specimen.
Quantity
requested: 0.5 mL CSF
minimum: 0.3 mL CSF
Processing
Refrigerate CSF in a sterile vial.
Sendouts:
- Order Mayo Test: WNCSF.
- Interfaced: Yes.
Stability: Refrigerated (Preferred): 7 days; Frozen: 7 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.
Reject Due To: Heat-inactivated or centrifuged specimen.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Sendouts Mayo Lab (RF) (MARF)
Performing Location(s)
| Sendout |
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
800-533-1710 200 First Street Southwest |
|---|
Frequency
Performed: Monday - Friday. Report Available: 1-5 days.
Available STAT?
No