【SUMMARY】
Astrovirus is a type of virus that was first discovered in 1975 using electron microscopes following an outbreak of diarrhea in humans. In addition to humans, astroviruses have now been isolated from numerous mammalian animal species (and are classified as genus Mammoastrovirus) and from avian species such as ducks, chickens, and turkey poults (classified as genus Avastrovirus). Astroviruses are 28–35 nm diameter, icosahedral viruses that have a characteristic five- or sixpointed star-like surface structure when viewed by electron microscopy. Along with the Picornaviridae and the Caliciviridae, the Astroviridae comprise a third family of nonenveloped viruses whose genome is composed of plus-sense, single-stranded RNA. Astrovirus has a non-segmented, single stranded, positive sense RNA genome within a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid . Human astroviruses have been shown in numerous studies to be an important cause of gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. The Astrovirus Rapid Test Cassette (Feces) is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of astrovirus in human feces specimen, providing results in 10 minutes. The test utilizes antibody specific for astrovirus to selectively detect astrovirus from human feces specimens.

【DIRECTIONS FOR USE】
Allow the test cassette, specimen, buffer, and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30 °C) prior to testing.
1. To collect fecal specimens:
Collect sufficient quantity of feces (1-2 mL or 1-2 g) in a clean, dry specimen collection container to obtain enough virus particles. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within 6 hours after collection. Specimen collected may be stored for 3 days at 2-8 °C if not tested within 6 hours. For long term storage, specimens should be kept below -20 °C.
2. To process fecal specimens:
For Solid Specimens:
Unscrew the cap of the specimen collection tube, then randomly stab the specimen collection applicator into the fecal specimen in at least 3 different sites to collect approximately 50 mg of feces (equivalent to 1/4 of a pea). Do not scoop the fecal specimen.
For Liquid Specimens:
Hold the dropper vertically, aspirate fecal specimens, and then transfer 2 drops of the liquid specimen (approximately 50 µL) into the specimen collection tube containing the extraction buffer.
Tighten the cap onto the specimen collection tube, then shake the specimen collection tube vigorously to mix the specimen and the extraction buffer. Leave the collection tube for reaction for 2 minutes.
3. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test cassette from the foil pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch.
4. Hold the specimen collection tube upright and unscrew the tip of the specimen collection tube. Invert the specimen collection tube and transfer 2 full drops of the extracted specimen (approximately 80µL) to the specimen well (S) of the test cassette, then start the timer. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well (S). See illustration below.
5. Read the results at 10 minutes after dispensing the extracted specimen. Do not read results after 20 minutes.
Note: If the specimen does not migrate (presence of particles), centrifuge the diluted sample contained in the extraction buffer vial. Collect 80 µL of supernatant, dispense into the specimen well (S). Start the timer and continue from step 5 onwards in the above instructions for use.

 

Cat. No.	Product Description	Specimen	Format	Kit Size	Cut-Off	Status
IAS-602	Astrovirus Rapid Test Cassette	Feces	Cassette	10 T	See Insert	CE