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Specimen Collection

Respiratory Pathogens Panel (including SARS-CoV-2) Nucleic Acid Detection (PCR)


Test Name
Respiratory Pathogens Panel (including SARS-CoV-2) Nucleic Acid Detection (PCR)
Test Code
RVPC2
Specimen Type

DEDICATED molecular specimens are required for swab requests.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), Bronchial washing, Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), Sputum, Dry swab/Swab in Amies media (Nasal/Throat)


Minimum Volume
1mL
Comments

Respiratory Pathogens Panel includes; Flu A,B; Parainfluenza 1,2,3,4; Human metapneumovirus; RSV A,B; Rhinovirus; Enterovirus; Parechovirus; Adenovirus; Bordetella spp.; M. pneumoniae, SARS-CoV-2

Recommended transport/storage conditions

  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Bronchial washings: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA): 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS): <30oC (Room temp) for 3 days
  • Sputum: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Swab (Nasal/Throat): <30oC (Room temp) for 3 days

Assay Performed

Molecular Microbiology
RCH - 9345 4673
Laboratory Hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:30 (excluding public holidays)

No afterhours service; if urgent testing is required, the requesting clinician is to contact on-call Clinical Microbiologist for advice via switchboard
Assay Frequency

Daily (Monday - Saturday)

Please note: The Molecular Microbiology is closed on Sunday (no Sunday service)

For same day testing, specimens must arrive by 10:30am Monday – Friday (RCH) & 09:30am on Saturdays (RCH)