The Virology Laboratory participates annually in the National Respiratory Virus Surveillance System program.
Specimens are collected from patients with symptoms of influenza in clinics and hospitals across the state and submitted for viral PCR testing. The influenza strains are identified and subtyped to provide information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information is used to monitor outbreaks, emerging strains and to aid the World Health Organization (WHO) in vaccine development.
The SDPHL uses molecular methods to rapidly identify infectious disease agents. Modern analytical techniques like molecular diagnostics, are becoming increasingly popular with laboratories around the world. Molecular methods utilize DNA or RNA from a pathogen to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of disease.
Offered at this laboratory as well are serological tests to select viral agents, which may be found under “Serology” or “STI & Bloodborne Pathogens.” If you cannot find the test you are searching for, please refer to the service manual for a complete list of tests offered at the SDPHL.
Influenza Sample Submission Form
SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Requisition and PUI Evaluation From
SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Surveillance Laboratory Requisition Form
Medical Laboratory Submission Form Medical Microbiology Service Manual Quick Reference Guide for Sample Type and Shipping Conditions Order Medical Testing Supplies Laboratory Fee Schedule
For more information, contact the Virology Section at 605-773-3368.
Virology & Molecular Testing Menu
Code: PPR
Method: PCR
Specimen: Dry transport sterile NP flocked swab, Nasopharyngeal swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM) or Nasopharyngeal aspirate.
Turnaround time: 1-3 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C
Shipping: Ship as category B
Click Here for Bordetella pertussis Supplemental Information
Code: Carba-R
Method: PCR
Specimen: Rectal swab or pure culture of CRE/CRPA
Turnaround time: 1-3 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-28° C
Shipping: Ship as category B
Additional: About Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CDC)
Code: GIP
Method: Multiplexed Nucleic Acid
Specimen: Stool in Cary Blair
Turnaround time: 1-2 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-25° C
Shipping: Ship as category B
Code: RPP
Method: Multiplexed Nucleic Acid
Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate in Viral Transport Media
Turnaround time: 1-2 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C
Shipping: Ship as category B
Click Here for FilmArray Respiratory Panel Supplemental Information
Code: IAB
Method: RT PCR
Specimen: Throat swab, NP aspirate or swab, nasal wash, nasal swab
Turnaround time: 3-5 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C for up to 72 hours or frozen at <-70° C. Viral transport media preferred
Shipping: Ship as category B
Code: PCR
Method: PCR
Specimen: Throat, NP or nasal swab in VTM
Turnaround time: 1-5 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-25° C
Shipping: Ship as category B. Notify SDPHL before shipping 605-773-3368
Code: MPCR
Method: RT PCR
Specimen: Buccal swab in VTM
Turnaround time: 1-3 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C
Shipping: Ship as category B. Notify Virology Laboratory before sending 605-773-3368
Method: RT PCR
Specimen: Dry swab of lesion
Pre-Approval: Notify Office of Disease Prevention before sending, 605-773-3737
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C
Shipping: Ship as suspect category A
Additional: Pre-approval required. Contact Bioterrorism Section before shipping, 605-773-3368
Code: COV
Method: RT PCR
Specimen: Throat swab, NP swab or aspirate, nasal swab or wash, specimens in VTM preferred
Turnaround time: 1-3 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C for up to 72 hours; or ship at <-70° C
Shipping: Ship as category B.
Code: VZV
Method: RT PCR
Specimen: Cutaneous or Mucocutaneous swabs
Turnaround time: 1-3 business days
Transport: Ship at 2-8° C
Shipping: Ship as category B