Parechovirus by PCR
Also known as: PEHV PCR
Use
The Parechovirus by PCR test is a qualitative assay used to detect parechovirus RNA in clinical specimens such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma, or serum. Detection of parechovirus is clinically significant as it can aid in the diagnosis of infections caused by this virus, particularly in infants and young children, where parechovirus is known to cause conditions ranging from mild respiratory illness to severe systemic diseases like encephalitis and myocarditis.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required at the time of submission. Patients should prepare by collecting specimens in Lavender (EDTA), pink (K 2 EDTA), serum separator tube or CSF. The specimen source must be noted for accurate processing.
Limitations
This test is not FDA-cleared or approved, but it is performed in a CLIA certified laboratory, thus suitable for clinical purposes. The test's ability to detect parechovirus is limited by the quantity of viral nucleic acid present in the specimen, and a negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors or viral concentrations below the detection level. Interpretation of results should be done in the context of the overall clinical picture and other laboratory findings.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 31208-2
- 60525-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA), pink (K 2 EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Separate plasma from cells. Transfer 1 mL plasma to a sterile container.
Patient Preparation
Collect in Lavender (EDTA), pink (K 2 EDTA), or serum separator tube.
Storage Instructions
Frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Heparinized specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | 3 months |