Rotavirus-Adenovirus Antigen (Stool)
Definition
Detects rotavirus (and, depending on the panel, adenovirus and norovirus) antigens in a stool sample. Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") in children.
Purpose
Identifying the viral cause in acute diarrheal illness, especially in children.
Sample collection: The stool sample should be collected while diarrhea is ongoing. Collection method: plastic wrap is placed loosely under the toilet seat to catch the stool, which is then transferred to a clean container.
Results
A positive result indicates the presence of the relevant virus.
Risks and Limitations
The source notes that the test is often not necessary:
Stool sample tests can be used to identify the virus causing the illness, but most of the time this test is not necessary.
This is because viral gastroenteritis is usually self-limiting and treatment does not change according to the pathogen (supportive care, fluid replacement). The test becomes valuable in outbreak investigations, hospital admissions, or severe or prolonged cases.