|
Area |
Health Science |
|
Lab name |
Enteric, Environmental and Food Virology Laboratory |
|
Lab location |
Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua |
|
Test name |
Astrovirus RT-qPCR |
|
Organisms |
Astrovirus |
|
Requested for surveillance |
yes |
|
Notice required |
no |
|
Sample requirements |
Faecal specimen from gastroenteritis outbreak or food/waterborne illness investigation. Vomit may be used but is not the preferred sample. Minimum 0.25 g or 0.25 mL. |
|
Pre-transport requirements |
Store at 5 ± 3°C for up to 3 weeks, otherwise at -20°C or -70°C. EpiSurv outbreak number. Specimens with no Episurv number provided may be stored until received. |
|
Transport requirements |
Standard biohazard packaging. Ship specimen at ambient temperature, same day or overnight. |
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Unacceptable sample types |
Specimens received without a form, with insufficient material to analyse, or in poorly labelled or leaking containers will not be tested. Insufficient specimen (< 0.25 g or < 0.25 mL) may be rejected. |
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How results reported |
Report will state result as either positive or negative for presence of astrovirus. For norovirus-negative outbreaks, two specimens per gastroenteritis outbreak are usually tested for astrovirus (and sapovirus). |
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Referral link |