Methodology: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Specimen Requirements:
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
1 mL CSF or synovial fluid collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Alternative Specimen(s)
Whole blood collected in: ACD (yellow-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Container
Whole blood: EDTA (lavender-top) tube
CSF or synovial fluid: Sterile leak-proof container
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis
Analytical Time: 3-6 days
Days Set Up: Monday – Saturday
CPT Information:
87801 –