Rotavirus antigen test

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…

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

The test involves normal defecation.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") in children. This test is done to diagnose a rotavirus infection .

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.

Rotavirus in the stool indicates a rotavirus infection is present.

There are no risks associated with this test.

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…

Bass DM. Rotaviruses, calciviruses, and astroviruses. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 312. Boggild AK, Freedman DO. Infections in returning travelers. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and…