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Department of Health Services

Public Health Regional Laboratory

Enterovirus screen, (includes EV-D68), RT-PCR

A screening assay to detect the presence of all enterovirus types including EV-D68 and poliovirus. EV-D68 is the causative agent for Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) virus. EV is the causative agent for hand, foot, and mouth disease virus.

Portal Ordering Code

ENTV PCR

CPT Code(s)

87798

Fee Schedule

Storage and Transport Criteria
Specimen Storage Specimen Transport
Acceptable Specimens
Minimum Volume
Frozen Range
-70°C - 0°C
Refrigerated Range
0.1°C - 8°C
Room Temperature Range
8.1°C - 30°C
Stability at
4°C - 25°C
Nasal or pharyngeal swabs, aspirates, throat swab, bronchial alveolar lavage, tracheal aspirate 2-3 mLs in VTM Acceptable - freeze at -20°C Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 72 hours Reject 8 hours
CSF 0.5 - 2 mLs Acceptable - freeze at -20°C Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 72 hours Reject 8 hours
Includes

Positive specimens are forwarded to CDPH for further characterization.

Methodology

RT-PCR

Assay Category

LDT (Laboratory Developed Test)

Reference Range

See laboratory report

Alternative Names
  • Coxsackie Virus PCR
  • Echovirus PCR
Preferred Specimen(s)

Nasal or pharyngeal swabs

Alternative Specimen(s)
  • CSF
  • Aspirates
  • Throat swab
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage
  • Tracheal aspirate
Minimum Volume
  • CSF - 0.5-2 mL
  • Non-CSF - 2-3 mLs in VTM
Special Instructions

N/A

Reject Criteria
  • Inadequately labeled specimens
  • Leaking specimens
  • QNS (quantities not sufficient)
  • Cotton or calcium alginate swabs
  • Swabs in Amies medium
  • Swabs with wooden shafts
  • Specimens not meeting the Storage & Transport criteria upon receipt at laboratory
Setup Schedule

Testing is performed on an as-needed basis.

Turn around time (TAT)

2 business days from arrival at the lab