Molecular Detection of Dengue Virus by Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)
<<Return to LaboratoryRequisition Forms
Reference Details
Molecular detection of dengue virus by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
- Dengue fever
- Dengue shock syndrome
Serum is the preferred specimen; however testing may also be performed on plasma or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Other bodily fluids and tissues may be considered for testing, please contact the Viral Zoonoses laboratory to verify suitability. Minimum volume of 600 µl.
Collect blood in serum separator tubes – submit in 2 ml O-ring tube.
Store samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship samples on dry ice.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Suspected dengue virus infection and relevant travel history.
Completed Viral Zoonoses requisition including sender laboratory name, address and telephone number. Patient name and / or identifier (specimen reference number), date of birth, test(s) requested, collection date of specimen, date of on-set of symptoms, type of specimen, and clinical and travel history of patient.
Please note that the point of sample collection with respect to symptom onset is essential to help determine which tests are conducted and with interpretation of results.
This test is considered investigational as it has not been extensively validated or verified.
Dengue virus real-time RT-PCR based on TaqMan chemistry. Four separate singleplex assays are performed targeting each of the four dengue serotypes; a result is classified as positive if any of the targets are detected and the Ct value falls within a pre-established cut-off value for that specific assay/serotype.
21 calendar days.
- Johnson, B.W., Russell, B.J. and Lanciotti, R.S. Serotype-specific detection of dengue viruses in a fourplex real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay. 2005. J. Clin. Micro. 43; 4977-4983.
- Lanciotti, R.S., Calisher, C.H., Gubler, D.J., Chang, G.J., and Vorndam, V. Rapid detection and typing of dengue viruses from clinical samples by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. 1992. J. Clin. Micro. 30; 545-551.