Rotavirus Antigen, Feces
Use
Rotavirus is a major cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis, especially in infants and very young children who have not received the rotavirus vaccine. Infection can range from mild to severe gastroenteritis and is more symptomatic in certain groups like preterm infants, immunosuppressed patients, and the elderly. Rapid and accurate detection of rotavirus antigens in fecal specimens aids in better patient management.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be collected soon after the onset of symptoms. Do not collect in containers with media, preservatives, animal serum, or detergent as these can interfere with the assay. A positive result does not rule out other pathogenic organisms, and a negative result does not exclude the possibility of rotavirus infection.
Limitations
The presence of rotavirus antigen diminishes significantly 8 days after the onset of symptoms. A positive test does not exclude coinfection with bacterial or parasitic pathogens. Improper specimen collection or handling may result in false-negative or invalid results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5880-0
- 5880-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
5 to 10 grams
Minimum Volume
1 gram
Container
Sterile fecal container (acceptable: swab)
Collection Instructions
Place specimen in a tightly sealed plastic bag.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly bloody, very mucoid feces, or feces in preservative.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 7 days |