Norovirus RT-PCR NORWALK

Synonyms
Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name	Norovirus RT-PCR
Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name	Norovirus RT-PCR
EPIC Order Name	Norovirus (Groups 1 and 2) Molecular Detection
Clinical Info	Noroviruses are a major cause of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis, accounting for as many as 50% of viral gastroenteritis cases. Symptoms include acute diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Most cases are self-limiting, but complications can occur, particularly in the young, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In immunocompromised patients, norovirus infection can cause life-threatening gastroenteritis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of gut GVHD. Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR has been shown to be a sensitive, specific method for early assessment of norovirus infections, contributing to positive clinical outcomes.
Specimen Type	Stool
Container	Stool Container
Collection Instructions	Cary Blair transport is unacceptable for testing. Test will be cancelled as improperly collected. Container/Tube: Sterile container Specimen: 2 - 5 gm stool
Transport Instructions	Frozen
Specimen Stability	4 Days Room Temperature 7 Days Frozen
Methodology	Real-time reverse- transcriptase PCR
Days Performed	TAT; 2- 4 Days
Performing Laboratory	Viracor Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics
CPT	87798 x 2
PDM	5900095
Result Interpretation Reference Range: Not Detected This assay demonstrates no cross-reactivity with other known gastroenteritis pathogens. Genogroup I and Gengroup II assays show slight cross-reactivity with high titers of Norovirus Genogroup IV RNA. Assay Limitations Detection of norovirus RNA in the stool does not definitively indicate that norovirus is the causative agent of gastrointestinal disease. Asymptomatic shedding of norovirus, especially in immunocompromised patients, has been reported in peer reviewed scientific literature. Results should be used in conjunction with clinical findings, and should not form the sole basis for a diagnosis or treatment decision.
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