Viral Respiratory PCR

Microbiology

Nucleic acid amplification assay (PCR) tests for the detection of one or more of the following:

Diagnosis of viral respiratory infection.

Nasopharyngeal swab

Test sensitivity is dictated by the amount of virus on the swab and is therefore influenced by:
- (1) the timing of the test in relation to the symptoms and
- (2) the quality of the sample (operator-dependent).
- A result should be interpreted in light of the pre-test probability (severity of symptoms, their level of exposure, the disease in the contact); no test is 100% sensitive or specific.

Yellow topped Cobas swab (preferred)

Red/green topped viral swab

For hospital patients:
- Follow Trust guidelines as on the HUB
- All samples need to be requested on EPIC
- If highly suspicious of infection but initial swabs are negative, repeat swab and request an extended panel to look for other causes.
  - Only tested after agreement with a Consultant Microbiologist
For community/GP/Primary Care patients:
- Flu/Covid/RSV testing NOT currently required in community cases
  - Samples received will NOT be processed
  - Please contact the laboratory to discuss with a Consultant Microbiologist prior to sending a sample if a Clinical need for testing is felt
Tests are selected by the laboratory using information provided on the request; please state:
- Which viruses you want us to test for, either:
  - SARS-CoV-2 Only
  - SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A & Influenza B
  - SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B & RSV
- If specific viruses are not indicated clinical details and test availability may determine what is tested for