Test ID LADV Adenovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of adenovirus infections
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe
Hybridization
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Adenovirus PCRSpecimen Type
VariesMicrobiology Test Request Form (T244) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)
Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Peritoneal fluid/ascites, pericardial fluid/thoracentesis
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Stool
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 g
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Nasal, throat, respiratory, or ocular
Container/Tube: Culture transport swab-If a culture transport swab is not available, M4 or M5 media is acceptable
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into swab cylinder.
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline or multi-microbe medium (M5) (T484)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Collect fresh tissue specimen.
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body Fluid, Respiratory Specimen, Spinal Fluid, or Urine: 0.3 mL/Stool: 0.5 g/Swab or Tissue: NA
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Human adenoviruses cause a variety of diseases including pneumonia, cystitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, hepatitis, myocarditis, and encephalitis. In humans, adenoviruses have been recovered from almost every organ system. Infections can occur at any time of the year and in all age groups. Currently, there are 51 adenovirus serotypes that have been grouped into 6 separate subgenera.
Culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis for adenovirus infection. However, it can take up to 3 weeks to achieve culture results (Mayo Clinic's shell vial culture provides more rapid results, reported at 2 and 5 days). Serological tests have faster turnaround times, but can be less sensitive compared to culture. PCR offers a rapid, specific, and sensitive means of diagnosis by detecting adenovirus DNA.
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
Test results should be used as an aid in diagnosis and should not be considered diagnostic in themselves.
Although the reference range is generally considered to be "Negative" for this assay, adenovirus DNA may be detected from asymptomatic individuals in certain settings. This assay should only be used to test patients with clinical history and symptoms consistent with adenovirus disease, and is not used to screen healthy patients.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 6 a.m.
Report Available
Monday through Thursday: 2 days Friday, Saturday: 3 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798