Common Cold Virus Panel
COLD VIRUSES PCR
Testing Information
Sample Type
Nasopharyngeal Swab
Test Codes
429100
CPT Code
87631
Testing Area
Molecular Diagnostics
Test Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Panel Contents
Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Human Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
Reference Range
Not Detected (all targets within panel)
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24-48 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one E-Swab Liquid Amies Vial (Acceptable brands: Copan, Puritan, and Dasky).
Minimum volume: 1 mL.
Also acceptable: Collect one Viral Transport Medium (VTM) Vial (Acceptable brands: BD and SNT BioTech).
Minimum volume: 1-3 mL.
Rejection Criteria
Quantity not sufficient, specimens that leaked during transit/biohazardous contamination risk, specimens received without swab, specimens with integrity failures when analyzed, specimens not labeled with two patient identifiers, mislabeled specimens with incorrect patient information and/or inaccurate collection date/time, specimens received at the laboratory outside of the listed stability window, specimens submitted using expired media/collection devices, specimens submitted using incorrect collection devices
Specimen Validity and Retention
E-Swab / VTM Stability:
Room Temperature (20-25°C): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°): 72 hours
Specimens retained for 3 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport specimen at room temperature (20-25°C) or refrigerated (2-8°C). Refrigerated transport is preferred.
Clinical Utility
Signs and symptoms of a potential respiratory infection. Infectious disease testing to assist with diagnosis.
Special Notes
Coronavirus PCR testing can detect, but cannot differentiate between, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, and Coronavirus OC43.
NOTE: This test will not detect, nor provide results for, SARS-CoV-2.
Rhinovirus / Enterovirus PCR testing can detect, but cannot differentiate between, Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, and Enterovirus D68.
