Gastroenteritis – rotavirus antigen
The rotavirus antigen test detects rotavirus in the feces. This is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in children.
How the Test is Performed
There are many ways to collect stool samples.
- You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then you put the sample into a clean container.
- One type of test kit supplies a special toilet tissue to collect the sample, which is then placed in a container.
- For infants and young children wearing diapers, line the diaper with plastic wrap. Position the plastic wrap to prevent urine and stool from mixing to get a better sample.
The sample should be collected while the diarrhea is occurring. Take the sample to the lab to be checked.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves normal defecation.
Why the Test is Performed
Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”) in children. This test is done to diagnose a rotavirus infection.
Normal Results
Normally, rotavirus is not found in the stool.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Rotavirus is the stool that indicates a rotavirus infection is present.
Risks
There are no risks associated with this test.
Considerations
Because rotavirus is easily passed from person to person, take these steps to prevent the germ from spreading:
- Wash your hands well after contact with a child who could be infected.
- Disinfect any surface that has been in contact with stool.
Ask your provider about a vaccine to help prevent severe rotavirus infection in children under 8 months old.
Watch infants and children who have this infection closely for signs of dehydration.
FAQ
What does rotavirus antigen-positive mean?
- The rotavirus antigen test detects rotavirus in the feces. This is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in children.
How can you test for rotavirus?
- Many illnesses cause diarrhea. So although rotavirus is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam, a stool sample analysis might be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Can a blood test detect rotavirus?
- You may have other tests to diagnose rotavirus or check for dehydration, including urine tests and blood tests.
Does rotavirus show up in stool samples?
- Norovirus can sometimes be detected in stool specimens that are collected later in the illness or after the symptoms have resolved (up to 7 to 10 days after onset). The number of specimens collected should be increased if collected after the acute phase of illness or for large or protracted outbreaks.
How do I know if my baby has rotavirus?
- Rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms are a fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well.
How long do rotavirus test results take?
- Peak viral counts are reported to occur on days 3 to 5 after the onset of symptoms. The virus is eliminated from the infected individual within a few days following acute infection. Specimens collected 8 days or more after the onset of symptoms may not contain enough rotavirus antigen to produce a positive reaction.
What is the best treatment for rotavirus?
- There’s no specific medicine to treat rotavirus. Antibiotics can’t touch it, and antiviral drugs don’t help. Your doctor may suggest medicine to help with the symptoms and rehydration fluids to replace minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
What type of vaccine is rotavirus?
- The rotavirus vaccines are live attenuated vaccines, which means they contain a weakened form of the virus.
What agent causes rotavirus?
Causative Agent
