Test code: 11177
CPT code(s): 87804 (x2)
Methodology: Optical Immunoassay
Includes: Influenza A & B
Alternative name(s): Influenza A&B EIA, Rapid Flu, Rapid Influenza, Flu
Clinical significance: Influenza is an acute viral disease that is seasonal in incidence, occurring in the colder months. The illness classically presents with sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia and a non-productive cough. Influenza A or B virus cause the majority of clinically significant disease, with influenza C virus being responsible only for mild, predominately upper respiratory tract illness. Patients who present with suspected influenza may benefit from treatment with antiviral agents. Since the therapeutic options have expanded to include options for the treatment of influenza B disease, it is important to rapidly distinguish influenza A from influenza B in order to allow physicians a choice in selective antiviral intervention. This will also allow for the appropriate preventative intervention to be taken in institutions where measures can be taken for susceptible individuals. It is therefore important to not only rapidly determine whether influenza is present, but also which type of influenza virus is present.
Supply: Supply #S05 VCM, Nasal Swab - *Transport Medium will vary in lid color
Preferred specimen(s): Nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash/lavage or Nasal swab, *Transport Medium will vary in lid color
Preferred volume:
- Nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash/lavage: 1 mL
- Nasal Swab: 1 swab
Transport container: Nasal VCM medium or equivalent approved transport media.
Transport temperature: Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen stability:
Room Temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 6 months
Rejection Criteria:
- Amies Gel Bacterial Transport Swab
- Specimens submitted in transport systems not listed as acceptable
- Sources other than those listed as preferred or acceptable
- Specimens received at room temperature (unless the testing is done at point of care)
- Wooden-shaft swabs
- Cotton tipped swabs
- Calcium alginate swabs
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.