Rotavirus – Antigen testing

Pathology category

Microbiology - Virology

Code

ROTA

Referral code

Request form

ICE request form. Please include all relevant clinical details on the request form. In addition, if the patient has been vaccinated against Rotavirus in the last 4 weeks this should be stated as vaccination can give a positive test result.

Test information

Rotavirus testing is based upon antigen detection and is only performed on patients under the age of 5. In the era of universal childhood Rotavirus vaccination, the positive predictive value of the test has fallen. This test not currently in scope of UKAS accreditation or similar.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

If a delay occurs in delivering the sample to the laboratory, please refrigerate.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Sterile stool container

Special requirements

Patients with suspected Rotavirus infection should be isolated. Please contact infection control team if an outbreak is suspected. Rotavirus testing is only performed in the lab on week days.

Minimum volume

1ml

Assay frequency

Twice weekly

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

1 - 7 days

TAT Inpatient

1 - 7 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

1 - 7 days

Referral lab