Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
RPAN
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8312
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Same-day transport: room temperature. If transport is delayed beyond 24 hours, transport chilled at 2–8°C.
Laboratory
Swabs, biopsies and other fluid specimens: Transport directly to the MID section during routine working hours. After hours, store specimens in the designated VADD box. in the fridge for processing the following day.
Sample Stability
Room temperature: up to 24 hours. Refrigerated (2–8°C): up to 7 days. For storage beyond 7 days: freeze at ≤−20°C.
Synonyms
Respiratory Virus Nucleic Acid Detection Panel
Respiratory Viral PCR Panel
Respiratory viral panel PCR
Turnaround Time
24 hours
Testing performed every day of the week
Specimen Type
- Aspirate
- Biopsy
- Bronchial Washing
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Sputum
- Throat Swab
- Tissue
- Tracheal Aspirate
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- N/A
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- Copan E-swab
- Copan Floq Swab
- Specimen Container
- Swab - Viral PCR
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
Request forms must include the RAT result and the reason for requesting respiratory viral panel PCR testing. Specimens with incomplete request information will not be tested until all required information has been provided.
Additional Specimen Information
The accepted sample types for this assay are nasopharyngeal swab, bronchial wash, sputum, and tracheal aspirate.
For any other sample type, please contact Clinical Microbiology at AK-MOL-INF-DIS@adhb.govt.nz for advice before submitting the sample.
Last updated: 20/08/2026