News
New assay now available to detect Covid-19 and Influenza A and B
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A/Flu B Molecular Assay
Effective February 7, 2022, Laboratory Alliance’s Microbiology Department will offer a new multiplex gene amplification assay to detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and influenza B in provider-collected nasopharyngeal (N/P) and anterior nasal (nasal) swab specimens as well as self-collected patient swab specimens. These specimens should be collected from individuals suspected of respiratory viral infection consistent with COVID-19 and/or influenza.
Background: SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and influenza B are common causes of respiratory illness. Clinical signs and symptoms of these respiratory infections are often similar requiring the use of a laboratory test for proper diagnosis. The SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A/Flu B test is a multiplex assay based on the use of transcription-mediated amplification, similar to PCR, that reliably detects the presence of these viruses in N/P and nasal specimens. Specimens are collected in the usual manner and placed in either Universal Transport Medium (UTM), Viral Transport Medium (VTM), or MedSchenker STM.
Test Name: COVID/FLU AB AMPLIFI (SARS-CoV-2, Flu A, Flu B by RT-TMA)
Test Code: CFNAAT
Method: Nucleic Acid Amplified Test (NAAT): Real-Time Transcription Mediated Amplification (RT-TMA)
Specimen Collection: Collect N/P or nasal swab
Specimen Transport: Transport N/P or nasal specimens at room temperature. Specimens placed in transport medium following collection can be stored for 24 hours at 15 to 30°C or store specimens refrigerated at 2 to 8°C for up to 7 days.
Unacceptable Specimens: The use of any swab other than Dacron or flocked swabs and any transport medium other than UTM, VTM or MedSchenker.
Schedule: Daily
CPT Code: 87636
Interpretation of Results:
Negative result indicates that the virus was not detected but does not rule out the presence of disease
Positive result indicates that the virus was detected and may be responsible for the respiratory infection
Preferred Specimen Collection Device(s):
UTM - Universal Transport Media (Viral, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma Culture, Bordetella pertussis)
Viral Transport Medium
MedSchenker STM 3 ml tube and NP swab
