Public Health and Environmental Laboratories

Synonyms: N/A

Program: BTRL

Useful For: Qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA from Zika virus, dengue virus, and chikungunya virus in human sera and for the qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA in urine.

Method: Real-time multiplex RT-PCR Assay, distributed by the CDC under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Charge: N/A

Request Form: N/A

Container/ Tube: Collect serum in one 7 mL red top tube or serum separator tube (SST). 

Type: Serum (preferred), Urine (Zika Only), Amniotic Fluid

Volume: 3 mL minimum

Collection Instructions: Day 1-13 after symptom onset or possible Zika virus exposure: collect serum, amniotic fluid and urine.

Storage:

• When transporting human specimens, ensure that all applicable regulations for transport of potentially infectious biological specimens are met.
• Transport/ship human serum, urine, in dry ice, if possible; however, using cold-packs is acceptable.
• Store serum, urine, -20 C upon receipt. Thaw sample and keep on ice during sample processing. Store remainder of sample at -20 C for long term storage.

Causes for Rejection: Specimens that have not been approved for Zika virus testing, Specimens with insufficient quantity, Specimens that don’t meet all requirements, leakage, breakage, unlabeled, mislabeled.

Interpretation: Positive results are indicative of current infection.

Reference Interval: Negative

Limitations: Negative Trioplex rRT-PCR results do not rule out dengue, chikungunya and/or Zika virus infections and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history and epidemiological information.

Availability: N/A