| Synonym(s): | Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Novel Coronavirus |
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| Requisition Form | G-2V |
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| Test Description | Testing of suspected Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specimens to detect the presence or absence of MERS coronavirus RNA in symptomatic patients who meet current epidemiological criteria. |
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| Pre-Approval Needed | Contact your local or state epidemiologist if MERS-CoV is suspected. Contact information can be found at the following link: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/investigation/conditions/contacts/ |
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| Supplemental Information Required | Yes |
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| Supplemental Form(s) | Patient Under Investigation (PUI) form |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) | Human |
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing | - Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs
- Oropharyngeal (OP) swabs
- Sputum (natural or induced)
- Bronchioalveolar lavage
- Tracheal aspirate
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required | 1mL |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping | - If specimen(s) will arrive within 72 hours of collection, refrigerate at 2°C–8°C.
- If specimen(s) will arrive more than 72 hours after collection, freeze at -70°C or below.
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| Transport Medium | Viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM) for NP or OP swabs. For additional MERS-CoV specimen collection and submission guidance, refer to the CDC guidance Laboratory Testing for MERS | MERS | CDC |
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| Specimen Labeling | - At least two patient-specific identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number).
- Three unique patient identifiers are preferred.
- Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form. (e.g. abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
- Write the specimen source on the specimen label if submitting multiple specimens from the same patient.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
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| Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements | - Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
- Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
- Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements.
- Refrigerate at 2°C –8°C and ship overnight on multiple frozen gel packs if specimens will arrive at the Laboratory within 72 hours of collection.
- Freeze at -70°C or colder, and ship overnight on dry ice if specimens will arrive at the Laboratory more than 72 hours after time of collection.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.
- Write “MERS” on exterior of the insulated box (secondary container), to notify Laboratory specimen check-in staff of its contents. Do NOT write MERS on the outside of the shipping box!
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.
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| Method | Real-time RT-PCR |
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| Turn-around Time | 2 business days |
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| Interferences/Limitations | - False negative may result if specimen is improperly collected, transported, or handled.
- Detection of viral RNA does not imply that the corresponding virus is infectious or is the causative agent for clinical symptoms.
- A negative result does not preclude infection.
- Wooden handled or cotton swabs interfere with RNA analysis. Use only synthetic fiber swabs with plastic shafts
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| Common Causes for Rejection | - insufficient specimen quantity
- unacceptable specimen type or source
- improper shipping conditions
- expired collection container
- specimens received more than 72 hours after collection
- discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
- incomplete, illegible, or missing submission form(s)
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| Additional Information | MERS-CoV specimens should be handled under BSL-3 conditions only. Please contact the DSHS Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit at 512-776-7676 if MERS CoV is suspected and report to the appropriate local or regional health department. |
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