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Test Code NORO Norovirus Real-time RT-PCR

Clinical Indications

Noroviruses are a major cause of nonbacterial acute
gastroenteritis, accounting for as many as 50% of viral
gastroenteritis cases. Symptoms include acute diarrhea, vomiting,
abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
Most cases are self-limiting, but complications can occur,
particularly in the young, the elderly, and immunocompromised
individuals. In immunocompromised patients, norovirus infection can
cause life-threatening gastroenteritis after hematopoietic stem
cell transplantation and should always be considered in the
differential diagnosis of gut GVHD.
Real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR has
been shown to be a sensitive, specific method for early assessment
of norovirus infections, contributing to positive clinical
outcomes.

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Name: NOROVIRUS
PCR, FECES
Sunquest Order Code: NORO
Epic Px Code: LAB2958

Specimen Collection Type

Random stool collected in a sterile container (e.g. culture
cup)

Minimum Collection Volume

Size of pea, or 2 mL liquid stool

Reference Range

Detected/Not Detected

Critical Value

N/A

Interpretation

Qualitative result (Detected/Not Detected). The assay
differentiates between Norovirus Group I and Group II.

This assay demonstrates no cross-reactivity with other known
gastroenteritis pathogens. Genogroup I and Gengroup II assays show
slight cross-reactivity with high titers of Norovirus Genogroup IV
RNA.

Detection of norovirus RNA in the stool
does not definitively indicate that norovirus is the causative
agent of gastrointestinal disease. Asymptomatic shedding of
norovirus, especially in immunocompromised patients, has been
reported in peer reviewed scientific literature. Results should be
used in conjunction with clinical findings, and should not form the
sole basis for a diagnosis or treatment decision.

Rejection Criteria

Fecal specimens that have been stored at ambient temperature for
>96 hrs. If storage longer than 96 hours is needed, fecal
samples should be frozen at -20°C or colder.

Specimen Availability for Add-on Testing

1 Day

Specimen Stability

Ambient (preferred): 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: 7 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Performing Lab- Department

TUKHS-BH-Mail Outs

CPT Code

87799

LOINC Code

N/A

Test Alias

Nororvirus RNA, RT-PCR
Norovirus I and II PCR
Norovirus RNA
Norwalk Virus
Human Calcivirus

Additional Information / Notes

Turnaround time: Same day (within 8 – 12 hours from
receipt of specimen)