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Chikungunya RNA Detection by Real Time PCR - EDTA Plasma

Bacterial/ Viral
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Report in 72Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Detects Chikungunya viral RNA in blood plasma.

₹5,180₹7,400

30% OFF

Chikungunya RNA Detection by Real Time PCR - EDTA Plasma

  • Why is it done?
    • Test Purpose: Detects and identifies Chikungunya virus RNA in blood plasma using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology for confirmation of active viral infection
    • Primary Indications: Suspected acute Chikungunya virus infection with fever, arthralgia/arthritis, and myalgia; evaluation of patients in endemic or epidemic regions; travelers returning from Chikungunya-affected areas with compatible symptoms; differential diagnosis of viral febrile illnesses
    • Optimal Testing Timing: Within first 5-7 days of symptom onset when viral load is highest in plasma; can detect virus up to 12 days from onset; most sensitive during acute phase before antibody development
    • Clinical Scenarios: Acute fever investigation in endemic regions; pregnant patients with fever; immunocompromised individuals; severe or atypical presentations; blood/organ donor screening; outbreak investigations
  • Normal Range
    • Normal/Negative Result: "Negative" or "Not Detected"; indicates absence of Chikungunya virus RNA in plasma; measured as Ct (cycle threshold) >38 cycles or as specified by laboratory standards
    • Positive Result: "Positive" or "Detected"; indicates presence of Chikungunya virus RNA; Ct value <38 cycles (varies by laboratory); confirms active viral infection
    • Units of Measurement: Cycle threshold (Ct) values or copies/mL if quantified; semiquantitative results expressed as "Positive" with viral load indication (low/moderate/high) based on Ct values
    • Equivocal/Borderline Results: Rarely occurs; Ct values 35-38 may indicate very low viral load or early infection; recommend repeat testing after 24-48 hours if clinical suspicion remains high
    • Result Interpretation: Negative = No current Chikungunya viremia; Positive = Acute Chikungunya infection confirmed; Lower Ct = Higher viral load correlating with acute phase infection
  • Interpretation
    • Positive Result Interpretation: Confirms active/acute Chikungunya virus infection with viremia; patient is infectious to mosquitoes; indicate acute phase of disease with high probability of symptom manifestation; viral load peak typically 5-7 days post-symptom onset
    • Negative Result Interpretation: No detectable Chikungunya RNA in plasma; does not rule out infection if tested late in acute phase (>10 days) or in chronic phase; consider repeat testing or serological testing (IgM/IgG antibodies); may indicate other viral etiology in symptomatic patients
    • Ct Value Correlation: Ct <25: High viral load indicating acute phase, maximum infectivity; Ct 25-30: Moderate viral load, active infection; Ct 30-35: Lower viral load, either late acute phase or early recovery; Ct >35: Very low viral load, possible late phase or false positive
    • Clinical Significance: Positive test = Clinical confirmation of suspicion; informs prognosis and patient counseling; guides isolation/mosquito prevention measures; important for pregnant patients (risk of vertical transmission); impacts public health surveillance reporting
    • Factors Affecting Results: Timing of specimen collection (critical window 5-10 days post-onset); immunocompromised patients may have prolonged viremia; viral variants may affect detection efficiency; sample handling and storage conditions; specimen contamination; anticoagulant type (EDTA plasma specified)
    • Test Limitations: Not useful after viremia clears (typically >10-12 days); false negatives possible in late presentations; cannot differentiate between different Chikungunya genotypes unless sequencing performed; prior vaccination may not affect results but prior infection creates antibodies confounding serological follow-up
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Systems Affected: Musculoskeletal system (joints, tendons, muscles); vascular system (viremia); neurological system (rare); integumentary system (skin rash); lymphatic system (lymphadenopathy)
    • Acute Phase Manifestations: High fever (38-40°C); severe polyarthralgias and arthritis (wrists, ankles, knees); myalgia; skin eruptions (maculopapular rash); lymphadenopathy; sometimes hepatosplenomegaly
    • Chronic/Post-acute Complications: Persistent arthralgia (months to years); rheumatoid arthritis-like syndrome; joint deformities; functional disability; chronic pain; fatigue; mood disturbances; rare neurological sequelae (meningoencephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome)
    • Severe Manifestations: Hemorrhagic fever (rare); encephalitis; myocarditis; respiratory distress; shock; particularly in neonates, elderly, or immunocompromised; maternal-fetal transmission in pregnant patients
    • Associated Diseases Diagnosed: Chikungunya fever (acute); Chikungunya arthropathy syndrome; post-Chikungunya chronic arthralgia; neonatal Chikungunya; vaccine-derived testing (where applicable)
    • Risk Factors for Severe Disease: Age >65 years; underlying chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiopulmonary disease); immunosuppression; pregnancy; neonatal age (<3 months); obesity
  • Follow-up Tests
    • If PCR Positive: Supportive care recommended; serial PCR testing not typically needed; symptom monitoring; serological testing (IgM antibodies) after 3-5 days for additional confirmation if needed; baseline inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR); consider rheumatologic referral if symptoms persist beyond 3 months
    • If PCR Negative but High Clinical Suspicion: Repeat PCR after 24-48 hours (if tested within first 5 days); Chikungunya IgM serology; IgG antibodies for past exposure determination; consider testing for other viral etiologies (dengue, Zika, Mayaro); rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP if arthritis present
    • Serological Follow-up Testing: Chikungunya IgM (appears days 3-5); Chikungunya IgG (appears weeks 1-2, persists for years); can confirm diagnosis when PCR negative but clinical suspicion remains; helps establish timing of infection
    • Laboratory Monitoring: Complete blood count (CBC) to assess for thrombocytopenia, leukopenia; liver function tests (LFTs) for hepatic involvement; renal function tests in severe cases; coagulation studies if hemorrhagic manifestations present
    • For Pregnant Patients: PCR testing critical for assessment; obstetric ultrasound for fetal anomalies if infected in first/second trimester; consider amniocentesis to assess fetal infection; neonatal PCR testing if maternal infection near delivery; close fetal monitoring
    • Specialized Testing: Chikungunya virus genotyping/sequencing if outbreak investigation needed; virus isolation rarely performed; imaging (joint imaging, MRI) for persistent arthropathy; neuroimaging if neurological symptoms develop
    • Monitoring for Blood/Organ Donors: Positive PCR = donor deferral; may require 28-day waiting period after symptom resolution or negative repeat PCR; IgG testing may help determine past immunity in endemic areas
    • Chronic Phase Follow-up: PCR not indicated in chronic phase; rheumatologic assessment for persistent arthralgia; functional assessments; patient education on supportive management; annual review for persistent symptoms
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for this test
    • Specimen Collection Requirements: EDTA plasma tube (lavender top) required; typically 3-5 mL blood volume; proper tube mixing essential; collected via venipuncture
    • Specimen Handling: Keep plasma refrigerated at 2-8°C if not testing immediately; avoid hemolysis; send to laboratory within 24 hours; rapid transport preferred for optimal viral RNA preservation; freezing at -20°C or lower acceptable for longer-term storage
    • Special Instructions: Patient can eat and drink normally; no medication restrictions; specimen timing critical - collect within optimal 5-7 day window from symptom onset; label specimens clearly with patient identifiers and collection date/time; inform laboratory of clinical symptoms and exposure history for context
    • Medications: No medications need to be avoided or held; continue all regular medications; fever-reducing medications (acetaminophen, NSAIDs) do not affect test results; inform laboratory of immunosuppressive medications if applicable
    • Additional Patient Preparation: Ensure patient is hydrated; comfortable seating position for phlebotomy; inform phlebotomist of arm preference or accessibility issues; specimens can be collected regardless of recent meals or activities; no special stress level requirements

How our test process works!

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