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Epic Code LAB2111530 Influenza (Flu) A/B Rapid, Influenza A/B PCR if Negative

Important Note

Per CDC recommendation, this test is only performed during times of high flu incidence.

Any add-on testing for Respiratory FilmArray (LAB3359) must be performed within 72 hours of specimen collection.

Test Name Alias

Flu A/B Ag Rapid PCR if Neg | Influenza A/B Antigen Rapid, Flu PCR if Negative | 155

Interface Order Alias

11208

Clinical Information

Mandatory Reflex Information:

  • Influenxa A/B Rapid Negative , Influenza PCR will be performed.

Icons & Photos

Viral Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Flocked Swab for Nares collection [ITM-1186125]

Or

Viral Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Mini-Tip Swab for NP collection [ITM-1140078]

  

 

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nares (Nostril)
Container/Tube: UTM Universal Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Flocked Swab [ITM1186125]

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal (NP)
Container/Tube: UTM Universal Transport Media (UTM) Kit with Mini-Swab [ITM1140078]

 

 

NASOPHARYNGEAL SWAB COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

  • If possible, obtain specimen during the acute phase of the illness during the greatest amount of viral shedding. 
  • When performing a nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing or screening, you must wear the appropriate PPE for Severe Respiratory Precautions: face shield or goggles, mask, gown and gloves.

(Link) Nasopharyngeal Collection

  • Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage.
  • Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface.
  • Remove the swab and insert into the viral transport medium (UTM) tube immediately.
  • Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line.
  • Replace cap and screw on tightly. Ensure cap is secured! Leaky specimens may erase patient/specimen information on label!
  • Label specimen with at least 2 patient identifiers (usually name and date of birth)
  • Send to lab immediately 
    • DRY SWAB TIME CONSTRAINT: Send specimen to lab as soon as possible. Specimen must be collected and on the instrument within 1 hour.
    • Wet swab: If off-site keep specimen refrigerated

 

NASAL SWAB SELF COLLECTION OR OBSERVATION INSTRUCTIONS

(Link) Nasal swab self-collection or observation

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate or on ice

Specimen Stability

Wet swab:

Room Temperature: 4 hours

Refrigerate 4°C : 24 hours

Laboratory Retention: 3 days

 

Dry swab: Room Temperature: 1 hour

Test Frequency

Available 24 hours, usual TAT 4 hours for A/B Rapid

Available daily, usual TAT 4 hours for Flu PCR

Reference Range

Influenza A: Negative

Influenza B: Negative

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Big Rapids Laboratory, Big Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Blodgett Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Gerber Laboratory, Fremont, MI
Corewell Health Kelsey Laboratory, Lakeview, MI
Corewell Health Ludington Laboratory, Ludington, MI
Corewell Health Pennock Laboratory, Hastings, MI
Corewell Health Reed City Laboratory, Reed City, MI
Corewell Health Greenville Laboratory, Greenville, MI
Corewell Health Zeeland Laboratory, Zeeland, MI

Methodology

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

CPT

87804, 87804

CDM Code

3008780401, 3008780401

Epic Test ID

1230100698

Additional Information

While influenza prevalence in the community remains low, please order Influenza A/B PCR.

As of 10/3/2017, Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate is no longer an acceptable specimen type.

Reviewed Date

9/7/2023