TriCore to Introduce “Gold Standard” Molecular Test Panel for Viral Respiratory Infections on Jan. 31

With their dramatically improved disease detection abilities, molecular methods are the new “gold standard” for viral respiratory testing. TriCore clients will now have local access to this advanced type of testing with the launch of our new test, Respiratory Virus Panel by Real-Time PCR.

Respiratory Virus Panel by Real Time PCR (test code RESPAN)

• Offered as an alternative to TriCore’s Respiratory Virus Screen by Direct Fluorescent Antibody (RESPFA). Both tests will be available effective January 31, 2012.
• Adds Rhinovirus detection and subtyping of Influenza A (H1 and H3)
• Increases detection of viral co-infections¹
• Reduces costs by helping to prevent hospitalizations, directing therapy and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use²
• Same specimen handling requirements as RESPFA

Who Benefits from This Test?

• Elderly, chronically ill, and immunocompromised adults
• Patients (all ages) who present for care with advanced symptoms
• Children with difficult-to-control asthma
• Newborns, infants, toddlers
• Patients (all ages) with influenza-like illness but negative rapid test results
  
  

 

RESPIRATORY VIRUS PANEL BY REAL TIME PCR

Test Code
RESPAN

Assay Schedule
Daily

Reporting Schedule
Next Day

CPT Codes
87502, 87503 x 2, 87798 x 5

Test Panel Components
Influenza A, Influenza A H1, Influenza A H3, Influenza B, RSV A/B, Adenovirus, Human Metapneumovirus, Parainfluenza Virus and Rhinovirus

COLLECTION
Specimen
Preferred: Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swab
Acceptable: Bronchial aveolar lavage, nasal wash, bronchial washings

Container
Preferred: Viral Transport Media
Acceptable: Sterile Container

Volume
Preferred: 3.0 mL VTM, BAL, nasal wash, bronchial washings
Minimum: 2.0 mL VTM, BAL, nasal wash, bronchial washings

Collection Instructions
Collect nasopharyngeal sample using flocked swab

PROCESSING, SHIPPING, TRANSPORT & STORAGE
Storage Instructions:
Store refrigerated

Stability/Storage (from collection to initiation of testing)
Ambient: 2 hours             Refrigerated: 3 days               Frozen:  Unacceptable

Shipping Instructions
Ship refrigerated

Special Instructions
Use flocked swab for nasopharyngeal collection

Rejection Criteria
Leaking specimens, viral transport media with no swab, sputum, tissue, frozen specimens

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
Technical Questions
Dr. Steve Young, Scientific Director, Infectious Diseases
505-938-8855
800-245-3296 Ext. 8855
steve.young@tricore.org

Dr. Karissa Culbreath, Scientific Director, Infectious Diseases
505-938-8461
800-245-3296 Ext. 8461
karissa.culbreath@tricore.org

All Other Questions
TriCore Client Services – 24/7/365
505-938-8922
800-245-3296 Option 5

References

1. Stempel HE et al. Multiple viral respiratory pathogens in children with bronchiolitis. ActaPaediatr. 2009
2. Mahoney JB et al. Cost analysis of multiplex PCR Testing for Diagnosis of  Respiratory Virus Infections. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2009
3. Gharabaghi F et al. Evaluation of Multiple Commercial Molecular and Conventional Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of Respiratory Viruses in Children. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. 2011
4. Package Insert. xTAG RVP Fast. Luminex Molecular Diagnostics.
5. Pabbaraju K et al. Comparison of LuminexxTAG Respiratory Virus Panel with xTAG Respiratory Virus Panel fast for diagnosis of respiratory virus infections. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2011

Information subject to change. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party.  TriCore assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.