SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV NAAT - RGH/RRPL/Saskatoon
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the respiratory virus that causes Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). While vaccination reduces the chances of severe COVID-19, the virus is still a significant cause of respiratory infection causing fever and/or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headache, muscle and/or body aches, new loss of taste and/or smell, and shortness of breath.
- Infuenza A and B are viruses causing respiratory illness seasonally that usually peaks in the late fall and winter each year. Symptoms are similar to COVID-19 including fever and/or chills, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headache, and muscle and/or body aches.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes a respiratory illness, which can be severe in infants < 6 months old and the elderly. Symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and Influenza, including fever, cough, sneezing, and wheezing. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children < 1 year old.
Ordering recommendations
- Symptomatic patients, especially where viral etiology will affect patient care (eg. Use of virus specific antivirals)
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab (Preferred)
- Throat Swab
- Aspirate or Washing
- Sputum
Specimen collection container
Nasopharyngeal or Throat Swab
- Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM) kit with flocked swab.
- For Throat swab, replace flocked swab with larger dacron (polyester) tipped swab.
Aspirate, Washing, or Sputum
- Sterile wide mouth screw cap container
Collection procedure
- Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab: Insert the Copan flocked swab into the nasal passage until a slight resistance is met. Rotate the swab two or three times to collect ample epithelial cells. Hold the swab in place for 5 seconds to ensure maximum absorbency. Carefully remove the swab, place it in UTM and break the shaft off at the breakpoint.
- Throat Swab: Use a tongue depressor to depress tongue to prevent contamination of swab with saliva. Using a sterile swab vigorously rub the tonsillar area and posterior nasopharnyx. Place swab in UTM.
- Bronchial Washing, Aspirate, or BAL: Collect aspirate or washing in a sputum trap, and then transfer to a sterile sputum container for submission.
- Sputum: Instruct patient to cough deeply to produce specimen. Place specimen in a sterile container.
- Induced Sputum (obtained by a respiratory therapist): Have patient inhale approximately 25 mL of 3 - 10% sterile saline with the aid of a nebulizer. The induced sputum should be collected in a sterile container. Ensure specimen is labeled as induced sputum.
Required volume
- NP or Throat Swab: Copan UTM swab specimen (3 mL)
- Aspirate, Washing or Sputum: Optimal volume 1.5 mL
Transport and stability
- Store and Ship specimens at 4°C wherever possible
- Swabs may remain at room temperature for up to 24 hours if immediate transport to lab is not possible
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
- If SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, or Avian influenza is suspected, please call the Microbiologist on-call to provide exposure history and arrange appropriate testing.
Performance
Methodology
RGH/Pasqua |
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RRPL |
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Saskatoon |
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Days/times performed
Availability
- Specimens may be tested at RGH, RUH, RRPL, or local laboratory
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- Turnaround time of 24 hours from receipt in testing laboratory
Specimen retention time
RRPL |
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Saskatoon |
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Other information
Any additional comments
- Positive SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza A or B results are reported to a Medical Health Officer.
Last Updated: October 8, 2024