Specimen Collection
Faeces:
Must be unformed and conform to the contours of the container. Formed faeces will not be tested.
Samples will only be tested if clear
clinical details
and
requestor details
(name, designation, contact information) are provided.
Repeat testing will not be performed within a period of 30 days.
Turnaround Time: Within 1 day
Tested daily.
Assay Method
Cepheid Xpert Norovirus.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Norovirus testing should be considered for hospital-onset diarrhoea in linked inpatients. The test detects norovirus genogroup I and genogroup II RNA.
Contact Information
For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:
Lablink contact details
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Specimens can be sent to the laboratory at room temperature within 24 hours of collection or if not possible, can be refrigerated, but must reach the laboratory within 2 days of collection.