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Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory
VRDL Test Page - Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (FluSC2) PCR

Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory

Test Order
Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (FluSC2) Multiplex Assay– PCR Panel

Information Category	Information Detail
Pre-Approval	None
Supplemental Information Requested	None
Submittal Form	Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology (Commercial Test Name or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT))	Real-time RT-PCR (CDC) (For in Vitro Diagnostic use; for Emergency Use Only)
Reflex Testing	Seasonal Influenza A subtyping: A(H1)pdm09 and A(H3) Novel Influenza subtyping: A(H5) and A(H7) Pre-approval is required for any novel/avian influenza test requests prior to specimens being sent to VRDL for testing. VRDL will not test unapproved suspect Novel/Avian Influenza specimens. Contact your local public health department (LHD Communicable Disease Contact List) and CDPH (CLSH5FluANotification@cdph.ca.gov) for pre-approval information. Influenza B typing and Influenza B Lineage Genotyping (research/surveillance use only)
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method	Human specimens: Upper Respiratory specimens: Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), nasal swab (NS), throat swab (TS) and dual nasopharyngeal/throat swab (NPS/TS) specimen Nasal aspirates (NA), nasal wash (NW) Lower respiratory specimens Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) Bronchoalveolar wash (BW) Tracheal aspirate (TA) Sputum Swabs must have a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft.
Minimum Volume Requested	Respiratory swabs: 2-3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
Transport Medium (if using)	Universal Transport Medium (UTM) or Viral Transport Medium (VTM)
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	For respiratory specimens, freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after day of collection (DOC) Delivery to VRDL >72 hrs: -70°C / overnight shipping 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 VRDL accepts sample deliveries 7 days/week, but for sample deliveries after business hours, or on weekends or holidays, specific consultation with VRDL is required and can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. For consultation, please contact VRDL at VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov
Turnaround Time	10 Business Days
Limitations	Negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection.
Additional Information	Specimens should be collected as close to onset as possible and no longer than 5 days after onset. CDPH and CDC resources: CDPH Influenza Information CDPH Influenza and Other Respiratory Illness Outbreak Quicksheet (PDF) CDC Influenza Specimen Collection Guide (PDF)
VRDL Points of Contact	Testing Coordinator: Alice Chen; alice.chen@cdph.ca.gov (510) 307-8630