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Test ID ROTA Rotavirus Antigen, Feces

Useful For

Investigation of patients with diarrhea, particularly infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients

 

Investigation of nosocomial diarrhea

Testing Algorithm

See Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm in Special Instructions for other tests that may be useful in the evaluation of a patient with diarrhea.

Method Name

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Reporting Name

Rotavirus Ag, F

Specimen Type

Fecal

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Sterile stool container

Acceptable: Swab

Specimen Volume: 5-10 g

Additional Information: Place specimen in a tightly-sealing plastic bag.

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fecal Frozen (preferred) 7 days
  Refrigerated  72 hours

Clinical Information

Rotavirus is a major cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis, especially in infants and very young children (6 months-2 years of age). Infection may be entirely asymptomatic or produce a spectrum of disease ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe diarrhea and vomiting with dehydration. Infection usually begins acutely and lasts for 4 to 8 days. In temperate climates, rotaviral infections are seasonal; they peak in frequency during the winter months and are uncommon during the summer. Rotaviral gastroenteritis is, therefore, sometimes called "winter vomiting disease."

 

Infection is more likely to be symptomatic in preterm infants, immunosuppressed patients and elderly individuals, especially those living in nursing homes or other confined quarters. In other children and adults, rotavirus infections are usually subclinical and may be associated with asymptomatic shedding of rotavirus in the feces.

 

Rapid and accurate detection of rotavirus antigens in stool specimens may lead to better patient management, particularly in hospitalized or institutionalized patients.

Reference Values

Negative

Cautions

Stool specimens should be collected as soon after onset of symptoms as possible.

 

Do not collect specimens in containers having media, preservatives, animal serum, or detergent as any of these may interfere with the assay.

 

A positive result does not preclude the presence of other pathogenic organisms. While the relationship between rotavirus and gastroenteritis is well established, coinfection with bacterial or parasitic pathogens is possible. If suspected, testing for other enteric pathogens should be performed in parallel with the rotavirus antigen test.

 

Results of the rotavirus antigen assay must be interpreted with caution. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of rotavirus infection, as too small a quantity of virus or inadequate or improper sampling may cause a false-negative result.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87425

NY State Approved

Yes