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Test Code POWVC Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid


Ordering Guidance


The Powassan virus polymerase chain reaction result may remain positive for a longer time in urine than in blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (7 days or more).



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Send specimen from collection vial 2.

2. Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.


Useful For

Rapid testing for Powassan virus RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens

 

An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early Powassan virus infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset)

 

This assay should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals and should only be used to test patients with signs and symptoms of Powassan virus disease.

Testing Algorithm

For information see the following:

-Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm

-Acute Tickborne Disease Testing Algorithm

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

Powassan Virus, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of Powassan virus RNA and is consistent with early Powassan virus infection.

Clinical Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases: Powassan Virus. For Healthcare Providers: Diagnostic testing. CDC; Updated January 26, 2023. Accessed March 28, 2023. Available at www.cdc.gov/powassan/diagnostic-testing.html

2. Piantadosi A, Rubin DB, McQuillen DP, et al. Emerging cases of Powassan virus encephalitis in New England: Clinical presentation, imaging, and review of the literature. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Mar 15;62(6):707-713. doi: 10.1093/cid/civ1005

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/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
POWVC Powassan Virus, PCR, CSF 34457-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
617489 Lineage 1 34457-2
618145 Lineage 2 (Deer Tick Virus) 34457-2
618149 Powassan Virus PCR Comment 77202-0

Forms

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