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Norovirus

Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance

Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Lab

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538

Analyte Name

Norovirus

Disease

Norovirus

Test Description

Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Norovirus testing is performed using the FDA-cleared Cepheid GeneXpert instrument for identification and differentiation of norovirus genogroup I and genogroup II.

Results should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, laboratory findings, and epidemiological information to determine an overall clinical diagnosis.

The performance characteristics were verified by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL).

Special Instructions

PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting specimens.

Norovirus testing is for outbreak investigation only.

Specimen

Collect the unpreserved unformed stool specimen in a clean preservative-free vial: Minimum 5 mL 

Store refrigerated at 2- 8°C for up to 2 days.

Specimen Identification

CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

Test Request

Norovirus PCR (outbreaks)

Transport

Transport within 28 hours of collection.

Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 48 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C. 

Specimens must be transported and packaged in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.

Integrity

Do not pass the specimen into toilet

Do not urinate in the specimen container

Do not take a laxative before collecting the specimen

Normal Value

Negative for Norovirus

Turnaround Time

2 business days

Kit

Kits are available from the RISHL Center for Laboratory Support Services and may be obtained Monday-Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Kit order forms can be emailed to ridoh.centralservices@health.ri.gov