The stool and vomit of affected persons are suitable for norovirus testing. Normally, stool samples are analysed for the purpose of making a norovirus diagnosis. Ideally, the stool samples should be taken during the symptomatic phase of the infection when the viral load is highest. The stool containers should be filled to at least one third of their capacity. To ensure safe transportation, the filled container must be put in a second container. If short-term storage of the stool samples is necessary (e.g. during the collection of samples during an outbreak), the containers should be refrigerated.
During short transports, refrigeration is not necessary. As a general principle, the rules for the transport and storage of stool also apply to vomit samples. In the event of an outbreak, it is advisable to test no more than 5 stool samples of acutely ill patients. As soon as the norovirus infection has been confirmed, no more tests are required.
We offer:
- Detection of viral RNA by means of polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
- Typing of noroviruses by means of nucleic acid sequencing and databank analysis within the viral RNA polymerase region
- Electron microscopy
- Providing advice
- Outbreak investigations
AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
