Dedicated to protecting the health and safety
of Nebraskans through diagnostic laboratory
science, technology, and education.
 
Testing Results
IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

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 or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in 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.

 BACK | PRINT

  Test: Norovirus RNA Direct Detection
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form  
  Synonym: Norwalk virus PCR, Human Calicivirus PCR  
  Method: Real-time DNA Amplification  
  Availability: Test performed Monday – Friday; Turn-around-time 24-48hr  
  Specimen: Stool  Specimen  
  Collection Device: Sterile Container
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms  
  Volume: Minimum 1 mL  
  Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment: Refrigerate 2-8°C for up to 72h after collection. Ship as soon as possible.
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container filled with frozen gel-packs to keep specimen refrigerated. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.
 

 
  Unacceptable: Stool stored at room temperature >8 hours and stool contaminated with urine  
  Specimen Stability: Ambient, 8 hours; refrigerated, 3 days; frozen, 1 month  
  Reference Interval: No norovirus detected. Results for genotype I and II reported if positive  
  Reportable Disease: Report positive Norovirus within 7d to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.  
  Comments: Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.
The Cepheid Xpert Norovirus Assay, performed on the GeneXpert® Instrument Systems, is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the identification and differentiation of norovirus genogroup I and genogroup II RNA from raw or unpreserved uniformed stool specimens collected from individuals with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. The test utilizes automated real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect norovirus.

NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen.  
  Revised: 6/11/2021 

 

If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (866) 290-1406.

 


 BACK