Adenovirus PCR

Description: 
Qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of Adenovirus DNA in EDTA blood, stool, rectal, throat and eye swabs and biopsy. Used for the diagnosis of Adenovirus infection. Swab samples to be collected in Universal Transport Medium (UTM) and stool or biopsy to be collected on a sterile universal container with no additives. Samples received by 9.30am are processed same day. This assay is available Mon to Fri.
Clinical details: 
Adenoviruses most commonly cause a mild respiratory illness; however, they may also cause gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, cystitis and / or a rash. Symptoms of respiratory illness, caused by adenovirus infection, range from the common cold syndrome to pneumonia, croup, bronchitis and meningo-encephalitis. Patients with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to severe complications of adenovirus infection.
Related condition or disease: 
Respiratory illness, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, cystitis, rash, croup, bronchitis and meningo-encephalitis, Pneumonitis, nephritis, haemorrhagic colitis, haemorrhagic cystitis.
Reference range: 

Not Applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
Adenovirus, Pneumonitis, nephritis, haemorrhagic colitis, haemorrhagic cystitis, post transplant.
Units: 
Qualitative Test - Detected/Not Detected
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
4-9ml Purple Top EDTA blood (for whole blood or plasma). Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), broncho alveolar lavage (BAL). Rectal, throat & eye swabs to be collected in universal transport medium (UTM). Faeces, biopsy or vitreous humour to be collected in a sterile universal container with no additives.
Turnaround time: 
3 working days.
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples should be sent to CSR promptly as the sensitivity of assays that detect RNA/DNA depend on sample quality/integrity. Please store samples in a refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 06/10/2023