Microbiology - Norovirus
NCSLPH tests for norovirus (NV) during outbreak situations only. Local health departments should contact the N.C. Communicable Disease Branch (CDB) epidemiologists (919-733-3419) of the North Carolina Division of Public Health when enteric disease outbreaks are suspected in a day care center, nursing home, or restaurant.
Specimen Submission
To ensure that the event is eligible for outbreak investigation, contact the Communicable Disease Branch (CDB) epidemiologists (919-733-3419). After approval by the CDB epidemiologists, submit one stool specimen for each patient and request NV testing, using the <DHHS form # 3390>, Enteric Bacteriology. For NV testing, stool specimens should be submitted in commercially available enteric transport medium such as Cary-Blair Transport Medium, ETM™, or Para-Pak® Enteric Plus Transport System. (Note: Cary-Blair transport medium for collection of feces may also be purchased from the laboratory mailroom on-line at https://slphreporting.ncpublichealth.com/labportal/
Please submit at least five and no more than ten specimens per outbreak for testing.
- For NV testing only, stool specimens can be maintained at 4ºC for 3-5 days until shipped.
- For specimens that may be tested for both enteric microorganisms and norovirus, the specimen shipment should occur within 24 hours of collection. Specimens submitted in enteric transport medium will be tested for the presence of NV first. If NV is not detected in any of the outbreak specimens and enteric testing is requested, the specimens will be screened for enteric microorganisms.
To ship specimens to the NCSLPH, place completed Enteric Bacteriology DHHS form #3390 (PDF, 159 KB), one form for each specimen, in the outer container to avoid contamination in case of breakage or leakage. Follow all relevant packaging and shipping requirements. Unlabeled specimens will not be tested.
See also: Molecular Epidemiology
