Influenza Type A and B, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR with Reflex
Updated	4/2/2012
Other Names	Flue A and B PCR, Influenza PCR
How to Order	Check the 'Other' box under the Virus Isolation heading on the Virology /Immunology Request (form 42) and write in 'RT-PCR for Influenza'
Availability	Patients who fall within the current Acute and Communicable Disease Program Respiratory Surveillance guidelines, Outbreaks, or with ACDP approval
Methodology	Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Performed	Twice weekly or more, depending on volume
Time to Reporting	2-5 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code	87798 x 2. If Influeza A is detected, additionally 87798 x 4 (H1, H3, H1N1 (2009) pdm InfA, and HIN1 (2009) pdm H1)

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Synthetic nasopharyngeal or nasal swabs in viral transport media. For more information see Instructions for Submitting Influenza Specimens at http://public.health.oregon.gov/LaboratoryServices/SubmittingSamples/Pages/submitting-flu.aspx
Optimal Volume	2-3 mL
Minimum Volume	1 mL
Handling	Keep refrigerated after collection.
Transport	Transport refrigerated at 2-8 degrees C within 5 days.
Rejection Criteria	Specimens contaminated with bacteria or that have been heat-treated are unacceptable for testing.
Comments	This test will identify influenza A H3, seasonal H1, and 2009 H1 subtypes in addition to influenza B.

Influenza Type A and B, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR with Reflex