Test Directory

Detect rotavirus in stools of patients suspected of having viral gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is an extremely common cause of pediatric gastroenteritis. The illness is most common in winter, is highly contagious, involves five to eight days of diarrhea, and is rarely fatal. 

Specimen Type: Liquid Stool

Alternate Specimen Type: Semiformed stool

Collection Container: Sterile Container

Alternate Collection Container: Unpreserved Transport Vial

Desired Specimen Volume: 2 mL liquid stool

Alternate Specimen Volume: 1 g semiformed stool

1. Collect random stool in sterile container or unpreserved transport vial.
2. Collect as soon as possible after onset of disease, preferably three to five days after onset. 

1. Transport in the original unpreserved collection container.
2. Refrigerate immediately. Do not share sample with other departments.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Specimen received in grossly leaking transport container
• Dry specimen
• Specimen submitted in fixative or additive
• Bacterial swab specimen
• Diapers
• Specimen transported at room temperature
• Specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours)
• Specimen in transport media or preservative

See patient report.

Quality of specimens cannot be evaluated and specimens are collected randomly. Patients should also be evaluated for possible bacterial gastroenteritis.

• Rotavirus, Direct Detection Immunoassay