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HelpTest Code DENGS Dengue Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum
Ordering Guidance
The presence of dengue virus nucleic acid in serum overlaps with the presence of dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen (DNSAG / Dengue Virus NS1 Antigen, Serum). Patients with a history of symptoms for more than 1 week may be negative by molecular tests (ie, real-time polymerase chain reaction) and may require serologic testing (DENVP / Dengue Virus Antibody/Antigen Panel, Serum) to confirm the diagnosis of dengue virus infection.
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
Aiding in the diagnosis of acute infection caused by dengue virus
Special Instructions
Method Name
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Reporting Name
Dengue Virus, PCR, SerumSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen 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
Positive:
The detection of dengue virus nucleic acid in serum is consistent with acute-phase infection.
Dengue virus nucleic acid may be detectable during the first 1 to 7 days following the onset of symptoms.
Negative:
The absence of dengue nucleic acid in serum is consistent with the lack of acute-phase infection.
Dengue virus nucleic acid may not be detected if the serum specimen is collected immediately following dengue virus infection (<24-48 hours) and is rarely detectable following 7 days of symptoms.
Clinical Reference
1. Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clin Infect Dis. 2024:ciae104. doi:10.1093/cid/ciae104
2. Pillay K, Keddie SH, Fitchett E, et al. Evaluating the performance of common reference laboratory tests for acute dengue diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RT-PCR, NS1 ELISA, and IgM ELISA. Lancet Microbe. 2025;6(7):101088. doi:10.1016/j.lanmic.2025
3. Hunsperger EA, Munoz-Jordan J, Beltran M, et al. Performance of dengue diagnostic tests in a single-specimen diagnostic algorithm. J Infect Dis. 2016;214(6):836-44
4. Paz-Bailey G, Adams LE, Deen J, Anderson KB, Katzelnick LC. Dengue. Lancet. 2024;403(10427):667-682
5. Shi Y, Wang J, Zhao H, et al. Integrative advances in dengue virus diagnostics: From technological innovation to tiered diagnostic systems. J Med Virol. 2025;97(11):e70688
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
1 to 5 daysPerforming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| DENGS | Dengue Virus, PCR, Serum | 7855-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 606372 | Dengue Virus, PCR, Serum | 7855-0 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244)with the specimen.