MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory uses RT-PCR based protocols to test for Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), Influenza, Norovirus, and West Nile Virus.
Molecular Biologist Rob Christensen (307) 777-6064
Microbiologist Beth White (307) 777-6063
Bordetella pertussis
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TYPE OF TEST
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PCR
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SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
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Nasopharyngeal specimen using a polyester swab on flexible wire.
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SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
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Ship according to regulations for diagnostic specimens. Complete and enclose WPHL test request form.
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DAYS TEST PERFORMED
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Daily, Monday through Friday.
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RESULTS AVAILABLE
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Upon completion of identification.
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REPORTING & INTERPRETATION
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Positive results are called to the submitter. A negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection. |
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
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Influenza (currently for Surveillance sites only)
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TYPE OF TEST
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PCR
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SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
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Nasopharyngeal specimen using a polyester swab on flexible wire.
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SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
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Ship according to regulations for diagnostic specimens. Complete and enclose WPHL test request form.
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DAYS TEST PERFORMED
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Daily, Monday through Friday.
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RESULTS AVAILABLE
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Upon completion of identification.
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REPORTING & INTERPRETATION
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Positive results are called to the submitter. |
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
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Norovirus WPHL is a CaliciNet Laboratory.
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TYPE OF TEST
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PCR
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SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
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Acceptable specimens include stool and vomitus (by special request).
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SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
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Specimens must be sent in ETM (Enteric Transport Media). Raw stools will not be accepted. Specimen should be shipped with a cold pack. Complete and enclose WPHL test request form. Ship according to regulations for infectious substances.
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DAYS TEST PERFORMED
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Daily, Monday through Friday
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RESULTS AVAILABLE
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Upon completion of testing, usually 24-48 hrs after sample is received.
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REPORTING & INTERPRETATION
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Samples testing postive for Group I or Group II Norovirus RNA will be phoned to submitter and a hard copy mailed. Negative results are not phoned; submitter will receive a hard copy by mail. Interpretation will include “Positive GI Norovirus”, “Positive GII Norovirus”, “Negative”, or “Indeterminate”. Indeterminate results indicate the sample tested could not be determined as being positive or negative.
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
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Testing for suspected larger outbreaks of Norovirus in the community should be coordinated through the Epidemiology Department. If a large outbreak is suspected, please contact our Epidemiology staff at 307-777-7953.
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West Nile Virus
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TYPE OF TEST
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PCR or ELISA
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SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
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CSF specimens for IgM should be collected prior to 8 days post onset of illness. Acute serum specimens should be collected no earlier than 8 days post onset of illness. Convalescent specimens should be collected 2-3 weeks after collection of acute serum.
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SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
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Ship according to regulations for diagnostic specimens. Complete and enclose WPHL test request form.
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DAYS TEST PERFORMED
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Daily, Monday through Friday.
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RESULTS AVAILABLE
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Upon completion of identification.
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REPORTING & INTERPRETATION
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Positive results are called to the submitter. |
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
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