Gastroenteritis viruses

Molecular detection of viruses associated with gastroenteritis (adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus)
Microbiology
Virology
○ Stool
Other Information
○ Information on patient setting and duration of symptoms (persistent for at least 72h) are required for testing.
○ For inpatient, institutional or outbreak specimens, collect within 48h of onset if possible.

○ Sapovirus, torovirus and astrovirus (other enteric viruses) testing are not currently available at PHOL or NML
○ Sterile container (min volume 1.0-2.0 grams)
○ Pass stool into a clean, dry pan or container mounted on the toilet. Collect at least 5 mL of watery diarrheal stool (10 to 30 mL preferred), approximately 1 gram of fecal material or a walnut-sized portion of stool or a sufficient amount of stool to the line of the transport container. Transport to the laboratory immediately after collection
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Up to 4 days
416-586-4800 extension 4504
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8C˚) after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing