Rotavirus Antigen

 

Collection procedure: 

1.                   

Collect a minimum of 0.5 gram of stool (size of marble)

 

2.                   

Place stool in sterile cup. DO NOT PLACE STOOL IN ANY TUBE WITH PRESERVATIVES.  Close lid securely.  Label with patient’s name, date of birth and date/time of collection.  Culture swabs are acceptable but not recommended

 

3.                   

Refrigerate specimen immediately. DO NOT FREEZE.

 

4.        

Rotavirus, prevalent in winter and spring months, is normally tested December through June.  Requests for Rotavirus antigen in other months will be canceled and the patient credited.  The specimen will be stored frozen for 7 days.  Please call Customer Service at 314-454-4161 if testing is still warranted.

 

5.       

Outpatients should return the vial or culture swab to the Outpatient Laboratory on the 2nd floor at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  If the Outpatient Laboratory is closed, take the specimen to the Emergency Room located on the first level.