| Synonym(s): | PCR, Chik, ZIKV, CHIKV, DENV |
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| Requisition Form | G2-V |
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| Test Description | Testing of specimens to detect the presence of chikungunya, dengue, and/or Zika virus RNA in patients who meet epidemiological criteria for testing. |
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| Pre-Approval Needed | Yes. Contact your local or state epidemiologist if chikungunya, dengue or Zika virus are suspected. Contact information can be found at the following link https://www.dshs.texas.gov/idps-investigation-forms/disease-reporting-contacts. |
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| Supplemental Information Required | - Date of onset
- Symptoms
- Travel history
- Pregnancy status
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| Supplemental Form(s) | Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika testing and Supplemental Information Form. |
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| Performed on Specimens from (sources) | Human |
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| Sample/Specimen Type for Testing | - Serum
- Whole blood w/EDTA
- CSF
- Urine (aliquot, please do not send urine cups) and amniotic fluid are also acceptable for Zika Testing ONLY.
NOTE: Serum is the preferred diagnostic specimen. Whole blood (EDTA), CSF, urine and amniotic fluid may only be tested alongside a patient-matched serum specimen. |
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| Minimum Volume/Size Required | 3 mL–5 mL |
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| Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping | For Serum, Urine, CSF, and Amniotic Fluid: - Store between 2°C and 8°C for up to 48 hours.
- Store at -20°C or colder if being stored longer than 48 hours after collection.
- Serum should be poured over in a separate tube.
- Never freeze serum in separator tubes.
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Whole Blood (EDTA) - Store between 2°C and 8°C.
- Testing is recommended within one week of collection.
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| Transport Medium | EDTA for whole blood |
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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 G-2V submission form (e.g. abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.)
- 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.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.
- Store and ship serum, urine, CSF, and amniotic fluid specimens between 2°C and 8°C on ice packs overnight if they will arrive at the Laboratory within 48 hours after collection.
- Store and ship serum, urine, CSF, and amniotic fluid frozen at -20°C or colder on dry ice overnight if they will arrive at the Laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.
- Whole blood (EDTA) must be shipped cold on ice packs and received cold.
- Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.
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| Method | Real-time RT-PCR |
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| Turn-around Time | - Five business days following approval for testing.
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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.
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| Common Causes for Rejection | - Information on the form and tube do not match.
- Failure to put two forms of identification on tube.
- Specimen received cold greater than 48 hours after collection.
- Specimen received ambient.
- Incorrect specimen type.
- Specimen does not meet epidemiological criteria for testing.
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| Additional Information | Visit dshs.texas.gov/zika-virus for more information. |
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