Astrovirus – Enteric

Timing of Specimen Collection

Samples should be collected within the first 48 hours after onset of symptoms.

Limitations

Samples received in Virus or Multi-Organism transport media are not suitable for testing.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number.

Place the specimen container in the biohazard bag and seal the bag; insert the completed requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag. To maintain optimal viability of the virus, specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and transported to PHO on ice packs within 72 hours of collection. If longer storage/transit time is anticipated, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or lower and transported on dry ice.

Special Instructions

(Include names of all required forms, kit instructions and kit ordering form if PHO provides the kit)

Complete all fields of the PHO General Test Requisition Form: include the requesting healthcare provider's CPSO#, complete mailing address, telephone, and fax number, and the patient’s full name, date of birth, Health Card Number (must match the specimen label), enter the name of the test requested under test description, source of specimen, date of onset, date of collection, physician name and address, and clinical diagnosis. Failure to do so may result in rejection or testing delay.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Astrovirus testing is no longer available at PHO Laboratory.

Samples requesting astrovirus will be forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.

Not available

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Specimens that are positive for Astrovirus from Outbreaks are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.