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Test Code WNCSF West Nile Virus, RNA, PCR, Molecular Detection, Spinal Fluid


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Vial number 2

Acceptable: Any vial number

Submission Container/Tube: Sterile screw cap vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.


Useful For

Rapid testing for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens

 

An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early WNV 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 WNV disease.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

West Nile Virus RNA, 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

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

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

Clinical Reference

1. Petersen LR, Brault AC, Nasci RS. West Nile virus: review of the literature. JAMA. 2013;310(3):308-315

2. Colpitts TM, Conway MJ, Montgomery RR, Fikrig E. West Nile virus: Biology, transmission, and human infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2012;25(4):635-648

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease (NCEZID), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD): West Nile Virus: Information for Healthcare Providers. CDC; Reviewed April 25, 2023. Accessed November 9, 2023. Available at www.cdc.gov/westnile/healthcareproviders/index.html

4. Lustig Y, Mannasse B, Koren R, et al. Superiority of West Nile virus RNA detection in whole blood for diagnosis of acute infection. J Clin Microbiol. 2016;54(9):2294-2297

5. Barzon L, Pacenti M, Franchin E, et al. Excretion of West Nile virus in urine during acute Infection. J Infect Dis. 2013;208(7):1086-1092

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
WNCSF West Nile Virus RNA, PCR, CSF 34461-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
608435 West Nile Virus RNA, PCR, CSF 34461-4

Forms

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