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HelpTest ID VZIKU Zika Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Random, Urine
Ordering Guidance
Due to similar clinical presentations, testing for RNA or IgM-class antibodies to dengue and chikungunya viruses, concurrently with Zika virus testing, is strongly recommended.
Additional Testing Requirements
The US Food and Drug Administration requires that urine specimens be tested in conjunction with a paired serum specimen; order VZIKS / Zika Virus, PCR, Molecular Detection, Serum for the paired serum specimen.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect random urine in a sterile container.
2. Label specimen as urine.
Useful For
Qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA in paired urine and serum from individuals meeting the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Zika virus clinical or epidemiologic criteria
Highlights
Provides qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA from urine collected during the acute phase of infection.
Due to similar clinical presentations, testing for RNA or IgM-class antibodies to dengue and chikungunya viruses, concurrently with Zika virus testing, is strongly recommended.
For the most up to date Zika epidemiology and testing recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov/zika/.
Testing Algorithm
Due to US Food and Drug Administration requirements, urine specimens must be tested in conjunction with a paired serum specimen. See Additional Testing Requirements
The following algorithms are available:
Method Name
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Reporting Name
Zika Virus PCR, UrineSpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Other | Urine containing preservatives |
Clinical Information
Zika virus is an RNA virus in the genus Flavivirus and is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Other means of transmission include through transfusion of blood and blood products, sexually through genital secretions, perinatally, vertically from mother to fetus, and, potentially, through contact with other body secretions, such as tears and sweat.
Historically, most cases of Zika virus infection have occurred in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. However, Zika virus emerged in South America in early 2015 and is now endemic in over 50 countries in South, Central, and North America, including in several US territories and focal regions of the southern United States.
The majority (approximately 80%) of individuals infected with Zika virus are asymptomatic. Fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, conjunctivitis, maculopapular rash, myalgias and arthralgias are commonly reported among symptomatic patients. Notably, these symptoms are not distinct and can be seen with other emerging arboviruses, including dengue and chikungunya. Therefore, diagnostic testing for each of these viruses is recommended in patients returning form areas where these viruses cocirculate. Intrauterine or prenatal infection with Zika virus has been causally linked to development of microcephaly, with the greatest risk for fetal abnormality occurring if the infection is acquired during the first trimester. Finally, Zika virus has also been associated with development of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
A number of Zika virus serologic and nucleic acid amplification tests have received emergency use authorization (EUA) through the US Food and Drug Administration. The recommended tests vary by the patient's symptoms, course of illness, and whether or not the patient is pregnant.
For the most up-to-date information regarding the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention testing guidelines visit www.cdc.gov/zika/.
These guidelines are reflected in Assessment for Zika Virus Infection.
Zika virus testing is not recommended for asymptomatic couples attempting conception, given the potential for false-positive and false-negative results. Additionally, it is well established the Zika virus may remain in reproductive fluids despite negative serologic and molecular test results in blood and urine.
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
A positive test result indicates the presence of Zika virus RNA in the specimen. The FDA requires that urine specimens be tested in conjunction with a paired serum specimen. However, a positive result in either specimen is consistent with recent infection.
A negative test result with a positive internal control indicates that Zika virus RNA is not detectable in the specimen.
A negative test result with a negative internal control is considered evidence of polymerase chain reaction inhibition or reagent failure. A new specimen should be collected for testing if clinically indicated.
Cautions
Assay is for in vitro diagnostic use under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) only.
Negative Zika virus reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results do not preclude infection with Zika virus and should not be used as the sole basis for patient treatment or management decisions. All results should be interpreted by a trained professional in conjunction with review of the patient's exposure history and clinical signs and symptoms.
False-negative results may arise from degradation of Zika virus RNA during incorrect shipping or storage, and specimen collection after the period that Zika virus RNA is typically found in the patient (7 days-sera or 14 days-urine after onset of symptoms).
Clinical Reference
1. Oduyebo T, Igbinosa I, Petersen EE, et al: Update: Interim guidance for health care providers caring for women of reproductive age with possible Zika virus exposure-United States, July 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016 Jul 25;65(29):739-744
2. US Food and Drug Administration. Emergency Use Authorizations (Medical Devices). Available at www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/EmergencySituations/ucm161496.htm
3. Waggoner JJ, Pinsky BA: Zika virus: Diagnostics for an emerging pandemic threat. J Clin Microbiol. 2016 Apr;54(4):860-867
Method Description
The RealStar Zika Virus RT-PCR Kit by Altona Diagnostics is a TaqMan assay employing a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction to convert RNA to complementary DNA, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific target sequences and detection by target specific probes. Probes specific for Zika RNA are labelled with the fluorophore FAM. The kit also contains an internal control labeled with the fluorophore JOE. The internal control is added to the nucleic acid extraction procedure and undergoes RT and amplification in parallel to Zika virus-specific RNA that may be present in patient specimens. The different dye-labeled probes allow detection of Zika virus and the internal control simultaneously in corresponding detector channels of the LC 480 instrument. The test can be completed within 120 minutes following RNA extraction and is completed in a closed system.(Package insert: RealStar Zika Virus RT-PCR Kit US. Altona Diagnostics; Version 1.1, 03/2017)
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 5 daysTest Classification
This test has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87662
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.