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Orderable Name POWVC Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid


Ordering Guidance


The Powassan virus polymerase chain reaction result may remain positive for a longer time in urine than in blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (7 days or more).



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Send specimen from collection vial 2.

2. Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate.


Useful For

Rapid testing for Powassan virus RNA (lineage 1 and lineage 2) using cerebrospinal fluid specimens

 

An adjunctive test to serology for detection of early Powassan virus infection (ie, first few days after symptom onset)

 

This assay should not be used for screening asymptomatic individuals and should only be used to test patients with signs and symptoms of Powassan virus disease.

Testing Algorithm

For information see the following:

-Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm

-Acute Tickborne Disease Testing Algorithm

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 5 days

CPT Code Information

87798

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.