Norovirus
Norovirus also referred to as the "stomach flu", "24hr flu", or simply "food poisoning". It is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the US. The virus is very contagious and is usually transmitted through contaminated food, person to person contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces. After a short incubation period people exposed to the virus usually become violently ill. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and body aches. These symptoms subside rather quickly, usually within 1-3 days. Dehydration is the biggest concern with infected individuals therefore plenty of fluids should be taken in until the nausea and diarrhea subside
Norovirus WPHL is a CaliciNet Laboratory.
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TYPE OF TEST
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Norovirus testing by real time 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 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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