TRIPLEX PCR (QUALITATIVE)

​(a)   Blood. 5 ml of blood in plain blood tube (yellow top) or EDTA (lavender top) tube.

This is the preferred sample type if collected within the first 5 days of illness.

(b)   Urine. Collect the first 15 - 20 mL of voided urine in a plastic, preservative-free sterile container.

For patients presenting after day 5 of illness, viral RNA may no longer be detectable in plasma/serum but may still be detectable in urine samples. Please note test runs on urine samples will be chargeable as separate test order requests. For Zika virus PCR testing on all pregnant women, we recommend testing on both blood and urine samples regardless of the day of illness or exposure.  

This assay has also been validated on amniotic fluid and CSF samples; please discuss with Microbiologist. Please note that other sample types have not been validated on this new assay and will generally be rejected.

To assist in the diagnosis of Dengue serotypes 1-4, Zika and Chikungunya virus infections.

​Refrigerate sample at 2-8°C until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze. Send sample at 2 - 8°C. Sample should reach the laboratory as soon as possible preferably within 24 hours after collection.

Multiplex Real-time PCR using UC-TIB-Tropical-virus assay by TIB MOLBIOL.

​Detected, Not Detected or Inconclusive

​1 - 4 days

​Monday, Wednesday and Friday