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Instructions for Specimen Collection and Submission for the Detection of Norovirus (Types G1 and G2) by Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction Division of Laboratories
Specimen Instructions
This test is performed only for specimens associated with a foodborne and person-to-person investigations conducted by state and local health departments. Contact your local health department (LHD) for authorization before submitting specimens to the laboratory. All submissions require an authorization number from the LHD or the IDPH Communicable Disease Control Section.
Specimen Requirements
A minimum of 100 mg of stool is placed in a plastic, screw-cap, solid-top specimen container. The specimen container must be labeled with patient name, date of birth, and collection date. Specimens must be shipped on cold packs (4o C) overnight. Specimens can be stored at 4o C for up to 10 days from the date of collection. After 10 days, specimens must be stored frozen at -70o C and shipped on dry ice.
Submission Information Required
Complete the Communicable Diseases Laboratory Test Requisition. Be sure to include the norovirus authorization number and the outbreak investigation number on this form.
Test Methodology
Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rt RT-PCR) for the detection of Norovirus, Types G1 and G2.
Criteria for Rejection
Specimens that are not part of an IDPH foodborne or person-to-person investigation, specimens other than raw stool, specimens broken or leaking, specimens shipped and/or received at improper temperature, specimens received beyond acceptable date of collection, and improper or incomplete information on the test requisition form.
Instructions for Specimen Transport
Specimen(s) must be stored at 4o C until shipping and must be shipped on cold packs.
Courier
Wrap specimen(s) individually in absorbent material. Place wrapped specimen(s) into a biohazard labeled bag and seal securely. Place the test requisition(s) in the biohazard bag outside pouch so that it does not come in contact with the specimen sealed inside the bag. Place the sealed biohazard bag and test requisition(s) inside the shipping container. The shipping container must be rigid, such as a cooler, and labeled with the UN 3373 Biological Substance Category B marking. Close securely.
Commercial Overnight Delivery
Wrap specimen(s) individually in absorbent material. Place the wrapped specimen(s) inside a biohazard labeled 95 kPa bag and seal following the instructions on the bag. Place the test requisition(s) in the 95 kPa bag outside pouch so that it does not come in contact with the specimen sealed in the bag. Place the sealed 95 kPa bag and completed test requisitions(s) inside the outer shipping container and close securely. Label the outer shipping container with the appropriate Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory address. Complete the return address section to include the name of the person shipping the package, business name and address, and a business phone number. The shipping container must include the UN3373 Biological Substance Category B marking.
Ship to
ATTN: Molecular
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Laboratories
825 N. Rutledge St.
Springfield, IL 62702
217-782-6562