Mosquito Panel (Arbovirus) PCR

  1. Home
  2. Auckland Te Toka Tumai
  3. Test Guide
  4. Mosquito Panel (Arbovirus) PCR
Print Page

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MOSK

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8301

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Dedicated EDTA whole blood tube and SST.

Registration

Register specimens using the test code MOSK. The Molecular Infectious Diseases section will triage the specimen in consultation with the clinical team and determine whether PCR or serology testing is appropriate.

Separating

Unspun EDTA whole blood. SST tubes must be centrifuged and serum separated within 6 hours of collection.

Laboratory

Unspun EDTA blood tube and spun SST tube should be sent to Molecular Infectious Diseases section during the normal working hours 8:00 am - 16:00 pm. During weekend and afterhours store, the samples at 2–8°C. in dedicated box/rack in ALSS. The Molecular Infectious Diseases section will triage the specimen in consultation with the clinical team and determine whether PCR or serology testing is appropriate.

Sample Stability

EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. SST tubes: must be centrifuged and serum separated within 6 hours of collection. Separated serum is stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, the plasma must be frozen at ≤−20°C.

Synonyms

rbovirus PCR
Mosquito-borne Virus PCR
MOSK PCR
Chikungunya PCR
Zika PCR
Dengue PCR

Turnaround Time

3 days

Specimen Type

  • Amniotic Fluid
  • CSF
  • Serum
  • Urine
  • Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Pre-testing Requirements

Clinical information and testing criteria:
Arbovirus testing will only be performed when the clinical presentation and epidemiological history are compatible with recent arbovirus infection. Requests must include:

Location(s) visited
Date of symptom onset and specific symptoms
Relevant co-morbidities or complications, e.g. immunosuppression, pregnancy, haemorrhage, encephalitis or arthritis
Date of return to New Zealand

Example: Travel to Bali; symptom onset 07 Jan with fever and rash; returned to New Zealand 14 Jan.

Inappropriate requests

Arbovirus testing will not be performed in individuals without clinical symptoms consistent with recent arbovirus infection (e.g. asymptomatic pregnant women who have travelled to Zika-endemic areas), due to antibody cross-reactivity between arboviruses and the difficulty in interpreting positive serology results.
Arbovirus testing will not routinely be performed on specimens received more than 14 days after symptom onset, as results are unlikely to alter clinical management. Please discuss with a Clinical Virologist before requesting testing in these circumstances.

Additional Specimen Information

Sample requirements:
EDTA whole blood 1mL. Absolute minimum 0.5 mL.
SST tube: 1 mL serum.

Urine, amniotic fluid, and CSF can be tested for Zika virus. For any other specimen type, please contact Clinical Virologist via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before requesting testing.

Last updated: 30/08/2026