Influenza A/B
FLU PCR
Testing Information
Sample Type
Nasopharyngeal Swab
Test Codes
428060
CPT Code
87502
Testing Area
Molecular Diagnostics
Test Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Panel Contents
Influenza A, Influenza B (reported separately)
Reference Range
Not Detected
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
Influenza A PCR testing can detect, but cannot differentiate between, Influenza A, Influenza A/H1, Influenza A/H1N1-2009, and Influenza A/H3.
