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Zika Virus RNA Detection by Real Time PCR - Urine
Bacterial/ Viral
Report in 48Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Detects Zika viral RNA.
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Zika Virus RNA Detection by Real Time PCR - Urine
- Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: Detects Zika virus RNA in urine samples using highly sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to identify active Zika virus infection.
- Primary Indications: Suspected acute Zika virus infection; fever with rash and joint pain; suspected congenital Zika infection; pregnant women with potential Zika exposure; post-travel screening in endemic areas.
- Timing and Circumstances: During acute illness phase (within 2 weeks of symptom onset); urine remains positive longer than serum; particularly useful for testing beyond the acute viremia window; valuable during pregnancy to assess vertical transmission risk.
- Normal Range
- Reference Range: Negative (Not Detected) or Undetectable
- Units of Measurement: Qualitative result (Positive/Negative or Detected/Not Detected); Some labs report cycle threshold (Ct) values or viral load in copies/mL
- Negative Result: Indicates no detectable Zika virus RNA in urine sample; suggests absence of active Zika infection or testing after viral clearance period
- Positive Result: Indicates detection of Zika virus RNA; confirms active or recent Zika infection; may be reported with Ct value indicating viral load level
- Borderline/Equivocal Results: May indicate very low viral load near detection limit; requires repeat testing or confirmation with serum PCR
- Interpretation
- Positive Result Interpretation: Confirms active Zika virus infection; indicates patient is in acute phase or extended viruria period; positive result in pregnant women indicates potential vertical transmission risk to fetus
- Negative Result Interpretation: Rules out active Zika infection or indicates clearance of viremia; does not exclude previous infection; patient may have immunity from past infection
- High Viral Load (Low Ct Values): Indicates acute phase infection with high virus levels; associated with active viremia; greater potential for transmission; typical in early illness (first 2 weeks)
- Low Viral Load (High Ct Values): Indicates later stages of infection or prolonged viruria; virus may be clearing; may represent persistent shedding in some individuals
- Factors Affecting Results: Timing of collection (earlier samples more likely positive); immunocompromised status (prolonged shedding); specimen quality and handling; dilute vs concentrated urine; individual variation in viral shedding; pregnancy may affect viral kinetics
- Clinical Significance: Urine PCR provides extended detection window compared to serum (positive up to 3-4 weeks post-symptom onset); valuable for pregnant women requiring assessment; helps distinguish active infection from past exposure; confirms diagnosis when serum testing is negative but clinical suspicion remains high
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Central nervous system (CNS); peripheral nervous system; immune system; reproductive system (placenta and fetus); kidneys and urinary system
- Associated Medical Conditions: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS); congenital Zika syndrome; microcephaly; intrauterine growth restriction; fetal CNS abnormalities; arthralgia and arthritis; myalgia; rash and fever syndrome
- Diseases This Test Helps Diagnose: Acute Zika virus infection; congenital Zika syndrome; Zika-associated neurological complications; pregnancy-related Zika infection; persistent viral shedding in immunocompromised patients
- Potential Complications of Positive Results: Neurological complications including GBS; birth defects and vertical transmission (in pregnancy); chronic joint pain and arthritis; long-term neurological sequelae; potential sexual transmission to partners
- Associated Risks: Pregnant women face significant fetal risks; males may transmit virus through semen weeks after infection; immunocompromised individuals at higher risk for severe disease; populations in endemic areas at continuous risk
- Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Testing: Serum Zika virus PCR (real-time PCR on blood sample); Zika virus serology (IgM and IgG antibodies) for confirmation or assessment of immune response
- Pregnancy-Related Follow-up: Fetal ultrasound for structural abnormalities; amniocentesis with amniotic fluid PCR testing; detailed fetal imaging; placental assessment; pediatric examination of newborn for birth defects
- Neurological Monitoring: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis if meningitis or encephalitis suspected; neurological examination; MRI or CT imaging if neurological complications occur; electrodiagnostic testing if GBS suspected
- Complementary Diagnostic Tests: Dengue and Chikungunya PCR (co-infection common in endemic areas); Flavivirus serological panel; throat culture if secondary bacterial infection suspected
- Monitoring Frequency: Positive result in pregnant women: repeat testing at delivery; immunocompromised patients: serial testing every 1-2 weeks until clearance; patients with complications: follow-up based on clinical course and specialist recommendations
- Additional Investigations: Complete blood count (CBC); liver function tests; coagulation studies; immunological workup if immunocompromised; contact tracing and testing; sexual partner evaluation and testing
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: No
- Specimen Collection Instructions: Clean-catch urine specimen collected in sterile container; first-morning urine preferred (more concentrated); minimum 5-10 mL of urine required; avoid contamination with stool or other materials
- Medications: No specific medications need to be avoided; continue all routine medications; antivirals or immune-modulating drugs do not preclude testing
- Specimen Handling: Keep specimen refrigerated at 2-8°C if not tested immediately; maintain temperature during transport; process within 24 hours for optimal sensitivity; freezing at -20°C or lower acceptable for long-term storage
- Preparation Requirements: No special dietary restrictions; no fluid restrictions (patient should remain normally hydrated); use standard hygiene practices for specimen collection; inform patient of timing preference (early morning specimen optimal)
- Optimal Timing: Collect as early as possible in acute illness phase; within first 2-3 weeks of symptom onset for maximum sensitivity; can be positive up to 3-4 weeks post-symptom onset; later samples may have lower viral load
How our test process works!
