Flavivirus PCR

Test description

Real-time RT-PCR for detection of viral RNA of flaviviruses (genus Flavivirus), including dengue virus, West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE), Japanese encephalitis virus, yellow fever virus, zika virus, usutu virus, Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and Russian spring summer encephalitis virus. Species identification is done by sequencing and/or specific RT-PCRs.

Purpose of the test

Diagnosis in the acute phase of the disease (up to 7 days after disease onset).

Criteria for performing this test

• Clinical suspicion of recent infection (up to 7 days after disease onset).
• The interval between the onset of symptoms and sample collection should be indicated on the application form.
• Clinical and epidemiological information should be provided on the request form.

Instructions for the sample

• Serum/plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSV)
• Minimum amount of serum/plasma: 1 ml
• Minimum amount of CSV: 350 µl
• For stable RNA concentrations, serum should be separated immediately from blood cells and stored at 4°C.
• If transported to the NRC > 24 h, samples should be stored and shipped at -20°C.

Instructions for transport

• Samples stored at 4°C can be shipped at room temperature.
• Samples stored at -20°C should be shipped on dry ice.
• Transit time should be kept as short as possible (Avoid transportation during weekends or holidays).

Unacceptable request

Analysis will not be performed in case of:

• Sample collection outside the acute phase of the disease (or date of symptom onset not communicated)
• Inappropriate or insufficient sample
• Improper transport or storage
• Application form not fully completed

Turn around time (and frequency of analysis)

Average: 7 days.

Contact the laboratory if urgent diagnosis is required

Reporting of test results

The report will be sent by fax, post or e-mail