Alphavirus PCR (All Specimen Types) Test | Austin Pathology

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Alphavirus PCR (All Specimen Types)

Alternate Names	Chikungunya PCR, Chikungunya Serology, Ross River PCR, Barmah Forest PCR, BFV PCR, Sindbis PCR, Alphavirus NAD
Test Code	ALPHAP
Testing Laboratory	Referred Laboratory
Specimen Type	CSF Respiratory specimen Blood Urine - Spot/Random
Container Type	See collection instructions
Medicare Rebate	Yes
Out of Pocket Costs	None
Ordering Information	Detects most known alphaviruses, including Chikungunya, Sindbis, Barmah Forest, Semliki Forest, and Ross River viruses. Chikungunya virus infection is classified as a Group A condition by the Department of Health and as such requires immediate notification by telephone (1300 651 160) or fax (1300 651 170) upon initial diagnosis (presumptive or confirmed), followed by written notification within five days. If this test is urgent please contact the Medical Microbiologist on 03 9496 5964 or phone the Microbiology Department on 03 9496 5295.
Collection Instructions	One of the following specimen types may be collected: Blood - 4mL EDTA tube (purple top) CSF - Sterile CSF tube Urine - 70mL Sterile container (yellow top) Tissue - Sterile container Bronchial Washings/BAL - Sterile container Sputum - Sterile container Swab - Prefer swabs in viral transport media (VTM), otherwise viral swabs, dry swabs or E swabs (white top) are acceptable
Transport Instructions	Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions	Store refrigerated at 4°C
Testing Frequency	As Required
Min Test Volume	None
Add On Test Suitability	This test can be added up to 7 days from collection, if refrigerated.

Container ID	EWL, EW, CM, CSF1, CSF2, CSF3, CSF4, CSF5
CSR Instructions	Instructions for: Heidelberg Specimen Reception Place sample in 4°C Sendout tub.
Laboratory Instructions	None
External Laboratory	VIDRL (Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory)
Accredited Test	Yes

These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference

Order of Draw (PDF)

Swab Collection Guide (PDF)

Pre-Transfusion Specimen Requirements (PDF)

Requirements for Pathology Service (PDF)