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The rotavirus antigen test detects rotavirus in the feces. Rotavirus is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in children. Children 3 months to 2 years old have the most severe symptoms.

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 container.

For infants and young children wearing diapers, try lining the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, it will help prevent urine and stool from mixing to provide a better sample.

The sample should be collected during the acute phase of the infection, which is the period in which you are having diarrhea.

The sample is taken to the laboratory for evaluation.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

The test involves normal defecation.

This test is performed to diagnose a rotavirus infection.

Normally, rotavirus is not found in the stool.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor 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 transmitted from person to person, thoroughly wash your hands after contact with a child who is infected or thought to be infected. Disinfect any surface that has been in contact with stool.

Monitor infants and children for signs of dehydration.

Kapikian AZ. Rotaviruses, noroviruses, and other gastrointestinal viruses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 403.

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.