Test Overview
Test Methodology

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Test Usage

Detection of Enterovirus meningitis.

Reference Range *

Enterovirus RNA not detected.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

A positive EV result does not rule out other causes of meningitis, including bacteria, mycobacteria, or other viruses (e.g., herpes family viruses, arboviruses, mumps virus, etc.) and fungi. Rare occurrences of simultaneous mixed bacterial-viral meningitis have been reported in the literature. False positive results are possible. Negative test results do not rule out the presence of enterovirus. Interfering endogenous substances encountered in CSF could cause false negative results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily
Analytic Time

6 hours

Soft Order Code
PCREV
MiChart Code
Enterovirus RNA by PCR, CSF,
Synonyms
  • ENTEROVIRUS, QUALITATIVE; PCR
  • PCREV
  • Echovirus
  • Coxsackie B
  • Coxsackie A
  • LENT
  • LCENT
  • Enterovirus by Rapid PCR
  • EV RNA detection by PCR
  • Enterovirus meningitits detection by PCR
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect spinal fluid. Refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Do not centrifuge.

Normal Volume
1 mL CSF
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL CSF
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated acceptable. If longer than 24 hours, freeze. Do not freeze thaw the specimen more than two times.
Rejection Criteria
Specimens that have been centrifuged are unacceptable for testing. Specimens received in polystyrene aliquot tubes or non-sterile tubes are unacceptable and will be rejected.
Additional Information

The Enterovirus RT-PCR uses the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to amplify Enterovirus-specific RNA sequences directly from the patient's CSF. Results should be used in conjunction with other laboratory test results and the patient's clinical profile.

Billing
CPT Code
87498
Fee Code
22028
LOINC
29591-5