Chikungunya Virus RNA Detection by Nucleic Acid Amplification Probe
This test checks for the presence of genetic material from the chikungunya virus in your blood. It helps determine if you’ve been infected with the virus that causes chikungunya fever.
["A positive result may indicate recent infection and guide treatment or further testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81152-1
- Short code
- CHIKV-NAA
- Synonyms
- CHIKV nsP1 RNA Ser Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; serum should be aliquoted into sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap plastic transport vial
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 122450003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -70°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Ship on dry ice if transporting to reference laboratory.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects chikungunya virus RNA, a fragment of the virus’s genetic material. This is done using a specialized probe that binds to the virus’s genetic sequence during a laboratory process called nucleic acid amplification.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is analyzed to identify the virus’s genetic material. If present, the probe binds to specific sequences, allowing the test to confirm infection.
Why It’s Done
Healthcare providers may order this test if you’ve traveled to or been in an area with chikungunya outbreaks, have symptoms like fever, joint pain, or rash, or if you’ve been exposed to the virus.
Symptoms and Exposure
Common symptoms of chikungunya infection include sudden high fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue. Exposure can occur through mosquito bites.
Reference range
Negative (Not Detected) - Chikungunya virus nsP1 RNA is not normally present in serumN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected as soon as possible after symptom onset, ideally within the first 5 days of illness when viremia is highest. Acute-phase specimen preferred.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result confirms chikungunya infection and helps guide treatment, monitoring, and prevention of complications. It can also support diagnosis in cases where symptoms are unclear or other tests are inconclusive.
Short name
Chikungunya RNA Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used for prevention?
How soon after infection can I expect results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy