Viral Culture, General
Also known as: Culture, Viral, General, General Viral Culture, Routine Viral Culture, Virus Culture/Isolation
Use
Aid in the diagnosis of viral diseases (eg, conjunctivitis, congenital viral infections, keratitis, chickenpox, shingles, viral pneumonia, and diseases characterized by skin vesicles and rashes)
Special Instructions
Submit one specimen per test requested. Specify the exact specimen source/origin (e.g., genital lesion). Indicate a specific test number on the request form. Information about age, relevant vaccinations, and clinical history is helpful. Serum should be collected for viral serology tests when a viral etiology is suspected.
Limitations
This test may not recover many common viruses that cannot grow in culture. A negative viral culture result does not exclude viral infection. Viruses not routinely recovered in culture include Coxsackie A virus, hepatitis viruses, arboviruses, parvoviruses, human papillomaviruses, and gastrointestinal viruses like rotavirus. Positive cultures may require further identification by state health departments.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6584-7
- 6584-7
Result Turnaround Time
9-12 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Collect 5 mL whole blood into a heparinized tube; sodium heparin preferred. Send at room temperature.
Storage Instructions
Stored and transported at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen types other than blood stored or transported at room temperature; hemolyzed blood sample