Infectious Diseases Announcements

FDA-approved Zika IgM Assay

Beginning October 1, 2019,  UPHL is switching to the FDA-approved InBios Assay for Zika IgM testing.  A fee of $45 will be charged for each Zika IgM test ordered. The $45 fee covers the cost of performing this new test. The requirement for having approval for testing for Zika IgM is no longer required. However, Bureau of Epidemiology approval is still required for the Trioplex PCR (Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya virus).

Please contact UPHL Arbovirus Laboratory at 801-965-2561 or Utah Department of Health, Epidemiology at 801-538-6191 with any questions.

FREE Mumps PCR testing!

Beginning in May 2019, UPHL has started to offer a CDC-developed real-time PCR test for the diagnosis of suspected mumps cases. The test is currently offered free of charges upon approval from the Bureau of Epidemiology of the Utah Department of Health (801-538-6191). Mumps molecular detection displays optimal sensitivity within two days from paraotitis onset.  Collection and transport of the specimen are critical for successful testing! Please follow the Utah Department of Health guidelines for patient preparation, acceptable swabs and transport media and transport conditions (click here opens in a new tab). Do not hesitate to call the UPHL Virology Lab if you have any question (801-965-2584).

FREE Carbepenem Resistance Testing

Carbapenem-resistant Acientobacter (CRAB) is an important nosocomial pathogen causing high mortality and morbidity in debilitated patients worldwide. CRAB most frequently expresses carbapenemases belonging to the class D OXA β-lactamases group. Commonly used phenotypic tests do not display optimal sensitivity and specificity for the detection of CRAB and therefore are not employed for surveillance. In addition no commercial molecular assay for the detection of non-OXA 48-like OXA carbapenemases. UPHL has now implemented a multiplex test developed at CDC to fill this diagnostic gap!
This PCR assay can detect carbapenemases belonging to the OXA-23-like, OXA-24/40-like and OXA-58-like groups in CRAB and other gram negative organisms. This test is validated for molecular characterization of bacterial isolates only and is performed for free within the State’s carbapenemase resistance surveillance program.

HCV Quantitation now offered

Beginning March 15, 2019, UPHL will offer a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for detection of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and quantitation of viral loads. We have validated and implemented the Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay by Hologic. This is an FDA approved NAAT based on transcription mediated amplification with a lower limit of quantification of 10 IU/mL. The implementation of this test at UPHL will allows us to verify positive serological results and perform the CDC-recommended algorithm entirely in house. UPHL will be also be able to assist in Pre-treatment and On-treatment monitoring. Please note that the Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay is not approved for use as a screening test for the presence of HCV in blood products.  The test is performed once a week on Fridays and results will be provided between 1 to 7 days from receipt of the specimen. The cost of this test is $75.

For more information on specimen and transport information, please click here. opens in a new tab