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Norovirus PCR

Microbiology


Summary

Nucleic acid amplification assay for the detection of Norovirus GI & GII RNA.

Usage

Diagnosis of Norovirus infection in inpatients.

Specimen

Stool (Preferred)

Vomit

Specimen container

Faecal Pot (For Stool Samples)

Sterile Universal (For Vomit)

To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘NOROVIRUS PCR APPROVAL‘ or test code ‘LAB29100

Special Instructions

  • This test should only be requested on inpatients after consultation with/advice or guidance from the Infection Control service. Other specimens sent without Infection Control approval may not be processed.
      • For non-inpatient requests – please contact the Laboratory before sending samples.
  • Please send a separate sample for this test – do not combine with faecal culture or C. difficile testing.
  • Not performed on Formed stool – please only send Liquid or Semi-Liquid Stool samples.
  • Please ensure that sample containers are filled between 1/3 to 1/2 full. This is sufficient sample volume for testing. Under-filling or over-filling stool sample pots may lead to samples being unsuitable for analysis.

Availability

Performed at RDUH

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Urgent Specimen Instructions

Please contact Infection Control

Method

Cepheid GeneXpert

Useful Links

For Patients

Norovirus (vomiting bug) – NHS

Norovirus | Food Standards Agency

For Healthcare Professionals

RDUH | Infection prevention and control

Norovirus: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA

 

Specimen Labelling Procedure
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9018

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