CPT: 87662

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes Zika fever. This disease often causes no or very mild symptoms. If symptoms are present they resemble dengue fever (fever, headache, vomiting, joint pain and skin rash). While the primary infection does not cause severe symptoms, it is known to be transmitted to fetuses during pregnancy, resulting in microcephaly (a smaller than usual head leading to impaired brain development). Zika virus is spread by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, which live in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; it may also be transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person. Testing for Zika virus is recommended for individuals who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant and have traveled to, or have had sexual contact with people from, regions where Aedes mosquitoes are present and/or Zika fever is being transmitted.

Following CDC testing criteria, qualitative detection of Zika virus RNA in human serum and urine is carried out through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing to amplify viral load to detectable quantities. Zika virus RNA is present during the acute stages of infection as well as up to 14 days following symptoms and may be detected even longer in pregnant patients. PCR testing up to 12 weeks after symptom onset is recommended for pregnant patients with possible Zika exposure and/or with fetal ultrasound consistent with congenital Zika Virus Infection.

Sample Stability: 7 days at 37°C and 50°C, 14 days at room temperature, as well as refrigerated and frozen temperatures.

Turnaround Time: 98% < 72 hours, 50% < 24 hours

Directorship: Cheryl Hanau, MD; Garth Ehrlich, PhD, FAAAS, FAAM; Donald Hall Jr., PhD; Yinghua Qiu, PhD, DABCC

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.

 
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