RSV Sample Collection
Specimen Collection & Transport Devices Suitable for RSV Sample Collection
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA virus of the genus Orthopneumovirus, family Pneumoviridae, primarily spread via respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with a contaminated surface. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year of age in the United States. Infants, young children, and older adults with chronic medical conditions are at risk of severe disease from RSV infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing a health advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increased RSV activity across parts of the United States. Due to this increased activity, CDC encourages broader testing for RSV among patients presenting with acute respiratory illness who test negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. RSV can be associated with severe disease in young children and older adults.
CDC Guidance for Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Sample Collection and Transport
The CDC indicates that Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and other molecular assays can identify the presence of RSV. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) has been found to be more sensitive than culture and antigen testing viral RNA or nucleic acids in respiratory specimens with very high sensitivity and specificity.
Proper specimen collection is the most important step in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. A specimen that is not collected correctly may lead to false or inconclusive test results. The CDC advises that clinicians should consult the manufacturer’s package insert for the approved clinical specimens for each test. This page is intended to indicate COPAN products commonly used for the collection and transport of RSV samples consistent with CDC guidelines.*
* Refer to the CDC’s “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)” for the most current guidance for sample collection indications and devices for influenza.
Visit the CDC.gov Site
UTM Universal
Transport Medium® Collection Kits
COPAN’s collection & transport kits for viral specimens combine state-of-the-art FLOQSwab® flocked sample collection swabs with the exceptional sample preservation of UTM Universal Transport Medium®.
UTM Universal Transport Medium® is FDA cleared for collection, transport, preservation, and long-term freeze storage of clinical specimens containing viruses for viral molecular diagnostic testing
UTM® Regular Tip Swab Collection Kits
Commonly Used for Nasal, Oropharyngeal and Lesion Swab Collection
UTM® Mini Tip Swab Collection Kits
Commonly Used for Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection
UTM® Bulk Products
Regular Tip Flocked Swabs
Swabs for Larger Sites - Commonly Used for Nasal, Oropharyngeal and Lesion Swab Collection
Mini-Tip Flocked Swabs
Swabs for Small Sites - Commonly Used for Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection
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The material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always refer to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, professional healthcare organizations, or other qualified healthcare providers for current guidance.
Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used.
Sample Collection Topics
About COPAN Diagnostics
COPAN Diagnostics is part of COPAN Group, the leading manufacturer of sample collection and transport systems in the world. COPAN is committed to continuously bringing value to the pre-analytical phase of Microbiology by providing innovative solutions inspired by the clinical microbiology community.
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