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Dengue Virus 1-4-PCR Test Order

VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order

Dengue Types 1-4 Virus Detection - PCR

Information Category	Information Detail
Pre-Approval	None
Supplemental Information Requested	Requested: Travel history, disease onset date, collection date, previous arbovirus test results
Submittal Form	Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology (Commercial Test Name or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT))	Real-time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic) which distinguishes dengue type (type 1, 2, 3, or 4)
Reflex Testing	None
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method	Human specimens: Serum or whole blood in red top or red/gray top serum separator tubes Plasma or whole blood in EDTA (lavender top) tubes
Minimum Volume Required	Serum: 1 mL Whole blood in serum separator tubes: 5 mL Plasma: 1mL Whole blood in EDTA whole blood tubes: 5 mL
Transport Medium (if using)	Not Applicable
Specimen Labeling	Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions	Serum: freeze (preferred) or refrigerate specimens after collection. Plasma: maintain on ice or in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 hours before it is frozen. Whole blood: refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Do not freeze whole blood. Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
Shipping Instructions	Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment. Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: CDPH VRDL ATTN: Specimen Receiving 850 Marina Bay Parkway Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time	10 Business Days
Limitations	Negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection
Additional Information	Specimens should be collected as close to illness onset as possible and no longer than 7 days after onset unless timing of onset is unclear or the sample previously tested positive for dengue by PCR and typing requested.
VRDL Points of Contact	Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov

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