NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - NUlirt batch list of NPHL Test Request Form (completed in its entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
Influenza Virus RNA Detection and A Subtyping
- Pre-approval needed from state or local health department
- Send documented approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call 402-559-9444
- NUlirt Order: FLUPCR
|
| Synonym: |
Flu PCR or RT-PCR, Influenza Confirmation, FLUPCR, Influenza subtyping |
| Method: |
Qualitative nucleic acid amplified real time RT-PCR assay |
| Availability: |
- Test performed Monday - Friday
- Turnaround time 1-7 days
|
| Specimen: |
- Upper Respiratory Tract:
- posterior-pharyngeal swab
- nasopharyngeal or nasal swab
- nasal aspirate, or nasal wash
- Lower Respiratory Tract:
- tracheal aspirate
- bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
- bronchial washes
- endotracheal aspirate
- endotracheal wash
- sputum
|
| Collection Device: |
- Human respiratory specimens in Viral Transport Media (VTM)
- Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms
|
| Volume: |
- 2-3 mL from washes, aspirates, BAL, or swabs
- 500 uL from sputum
|
| Storage/Transport: |
- See Category B shipping instructions
- Specimen Packaging & Shipping - NPHL
- Seal tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material
- NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in its entirety) must accompany specimens
|
| Unacceptable: |
- Slides
- Smears
- Incorrect sources
- Samples collected in non-viral transport media or using a bacterial culture swab
- Dry swabs
- Wood shaft or calcium alginate swabs
- Samples collected in EIA or extracted transport media.
|
| Specimen Stability: |
- Stable at 2-8° C up to 72 hours
- Frozen at -20° C up to 1 month
|
| Comments: |
- False negative result may occur if a specimen is improperly collected, transported, or handled
- False negative results may occur if amplification inhibitors are present in the specimen
- False negative results may occur due to inadequate viral load
|
| Revised: |
10/23/2025 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459.
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