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Test Code CHIKS Chikungunya Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Serum


Additional Testing Requirements


Due to the short period in which chikungunya RNA may be detected in serum, testing serum for IgM- and IgG-class antibodies to chikungunya virus is also recommended. See CHIKV / Chikungunya IgM and IgG, Antibody, Serum.

 

Testing for RNA or IgM-class antibodies to dengue and Zika viruses, concurrently with chikungunya virus testing should also be considered, given the overlapping clinical syndromes seen with these viruses. See the following:

DENGM / Dengue Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum

DENVP / Dengue Virus Antibody/Antigen Panel, Serum

DENGS / Dengue Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum

VZIKM / Zika Virus, IgM Antibody Capture ELISA, Serum

VZIKS / Zika Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Serum



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL Serum

Collection Instructions: Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot the serum into a sterile container.

Additional Information: Serum specimens not aliquoted from the serum gel collection tube into a sterile container will be rejected.


Useful For

Qualitative detection of chikungunya virus in serum after early symptom onset (ideally <7 days)

 

This test is not recommended for screening healthy patients.

Method Name

Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

Chikungunya Virus, PCR, Serum

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

Serum: 0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

A positive test result indicates the presence of chikungunya virus RNA in the specimen.

 

A negative test result with a positive internal control result indicates that chikungunya virus RNA is not detectable in the specimen.

 

A negative test result with a negative internal control result is considered evidence of polymerase chain reaction inhibition or reagent failure. A new specimen should be collected for testing if clinically indicated.

Clinical Reference

1. Natrajan MS, Rojas A, Waggoner JJ. Beyond fever and pain: Diagnostic methods for chikungunya virus. J Clin Microbiol. 2019;57(6):e00350-19

2. Sajith A, Iyengar V, Varamballi P, Mukhopadhyay C, Nittur S. Diagnostic utility of real-time RT-PCR for chikungunya virus detection in the acute phase of infection: a retrospective study. Ann Med. 2025;57(1):2523559

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

1 to 5 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CHIKS Chikungunya Virus, PCR, Serum 81152-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
603833 Chikungunya Virus, PCR, Serum 81152-1

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Mosquito-borne Disease Laboratory Testing.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.