Viral gastro panel

Is your child vomiting and having diarrhoea, with other household members soon becoming ill? The viral gastro panel uses one stool sample to show whether one of the viruses most commonly causing viral gastroenteritis is responsible. Knowing it is viral helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics and prevent spread.

Who the panel is for

• children, particularly nursery-age, with vomiting and watery diarrhoea;
• when several household members or people in nursery, school or a care home have diarrhoea and vomiting;
• older people and those with weakened immunity, in whom viral illness may last longer;
• when diarrhoea lasts more than several days or recurs;
• when a doctor wants to distinguish viral from bacterial infection before deciding on antibiotics.

If a child passes very little urine, has a dry mouth, cries without tears, is unusually sleepy or cannot keep down even a sip of fluid, seek medical attention immediately or call 194 or 112. The same applies to blood in stool and severe abdominal pain.

What the panel detects

The panel detects viral components (antigens) in stool. There are two versions: Viral gastro panel 1 includes rotavirus, adenovirus and norovirus, while Viral gastro panel 2 adds astrovirus.

• Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhoea and vomiting in infants and young children. Heavy fluid loss can quickly cause dehydration.
• Adenovirus in its intestinal form mainly affects young children. Diarrhoea usually lasts longer than with other viral illnesses.
• Norovirus affects all ages and is highly contagious. It begins with sudden vomiting and diarrhoea and usually resolves within one to three days. It commonly causes household and group outbreaks.
• Astrovirus (only in panel 2) more often causes milder diarrhoea in young children.

The procedure and preparation

Collect stool at home in a clean container with a scoop. The first days of illness are best, when stool contains the most virus. Avoid mixing stool with urine or toilet water. For infants, a sample can be taken from a nappy if not absorbed. Bring the sample promptly. No special preparation or diet is needed, and handing in the sample takes a few minutes.

What your result means

• Positive: a virus was found in stool and most likely explains symptoms. Treatment consists of fluids and rest; antibiotics do not act on viruses.
• Negative: the panel viruses were not detected. A bacterium, parasite or another cause may be responsible, and results can also be negative if sampling was late in illness. A doctor may then recommend stool antigen tests for bacteria or testing stool for cysts and parasites.
• Positive after recovery: the virus can continue being shed in stool after symptoms stop, so a symptom-free positive result does not mean a new illness.

A doctor interprets results alongside symptoms, age and general condition.

How to arrange testing

No referral or appointment is needed: hand in a stool sample at any branch (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. If choosing between versions, Viral gastro panel 2 includes all three viruses from panel 1 plus astrovirus.

Frequently asked questions

How contagious is viral gastroenteritis?

Very. Norovirus spreads easily through hands, objects and food. Wash hands with soap and water because alcohol gels work less well against norovirus.

When can a child return to nursery?

Usually at least 48 hours after the last diarrhoea or vomiting is advised. The same applies to adults handling food or caring for others.

Are antibiotics needed for viral diarrhoea?

No. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and can worsen diarrhoea. Replacing fluids matters more.

What can I give a child to prevent dehydration?

A pharmacy oral rehydration solution, in small frequent sips. Continue breastfeeding and avoid sweetened juices and fizzy drinks.