Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Influenza A/B and SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay
BPHL has verified the FDA, EUA, approved a qualitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) influenza A/B and SARS-CoV-2 multiplex assay utilizing the CDC protocol to detect the Influenza A/B and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
Test Code
9558
Testing Location
Testing Department
Virology
Pre-approval Required?
No
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
Include patient medical history and all required fields
Turn around Time
48 business hours after receipt at the laboratory
Unsatisfactory specimen
1) Swab with calcium alginate or cotton tips or with wooden shafts was used
2) Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
3) Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
4) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
5) Specimen leaked in transit
6) Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
Minimum Volume
1 mL of media
Collection Media
Swabs should be placed into viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport
media (UTM).
If unavailable, liquid Amies transport media, sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), or sterile saline are acceptable.
Specimen Sources
Upper or lower respiratory specimens (such as nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal,
and nasal swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar
lavage, and nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate)
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
None
Storage Conditions
Store specimens at 2-8° C until shipment.
If specimens will not be shipped same day and longer storage is needed, specimens can be stored at ≤-20° C.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens must be shipped overnight at 2-8° C. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Separate multiple specimens into different biohazard bags (preferred). Paperwork should be placed in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag in case of leaks.
If a specimen is frozen at ≤-20° C, ship overnight on dry ice. Do not let the specimen thaw.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips or with wooden shafts, can result in inactivation of some viruses and inhibit some molecular assays.
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
Detected
Not detected
Reference lab
CDC, if needed
Reflex testing
Influenza subtype or genotype