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HelpTest ID VRESP Viral Culture, Respiratory
Useful For
Diagnosing viral infections
Testing Algorithm
All routine viral cultures are inoculated into cell culture tubes for viral detection. The most common specimens received for routine testing include bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, and throat. A rapid (16-hour incubation) shell vial cell culture assay will be inoculated when specimens are designated for herpes simplex virus or cytomegalovirus detection or as appropriate for source indicated.
-For oral specimens for suspected hand-foot-and-mouth disease or enterovirus, clearly indicate "enterovirus" on request.
Testing for Mumps or Measles Virus: Do not submit specimens for viral culture testing if there is a suspicion of mumps or measles virus. Suspect mumps or measles cases should be submitted directly to a state health department for laboratory testing.
Do not submit specimens for viral culture testing if there is a suspicion of Ebola virus or any viral hemorrhagic fever, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome Coronovirus (MERS-CoV), or other high-risk infectious agents. Contact your state health department for more information and testing options.
Method Name
Cell Culture
Shell Vial Assay for Herpes Simplex Virus or Cytomegalovirus
Reporting Name
Viral Culture, RespiratorySpecimen Type
VariesForms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).
Specimen source is required. Specimen must be transported at refrigerate temperature.
Specimen Type: Lower respiratory tract specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or aspirates, tracheal secretions or sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Throat
Container/Tube:
Preferred: BBL CultureSwab (T092)
Acceptable: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle (T507)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Return swab to swab cylinder or multi-microbe medium (M5) (T484).
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Lung and others
Container/Tube: Sterile container with 1-2 mL of sterile saline
or M5 (T484)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Oral
Container/Tube: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle (T507)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Place swab in M5 viral transport media.
2. Indicate "Looking for enterovirus" or "Looking for mumps" if applicable.
Specimen Minimum Volume
NA
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Viruses are responsible for a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and diseases. The most commonly isolated viruses are adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus (types 1-3), respiratory syncytial virus, and varicella-zoster virus.
Many viral infections can now be treated with antiviral drugs. Early laboratory diagnosis by isolation is very helpful in the medical management of these patients.
Reference Values
Negative
If positive, virus is identified.
Cautions
Viral isolation depends on the proper collection and transport of the specimen for maximal detection of viruses in the laboratory.
This test is not useful for viruses that cannot be grown in cell culture (see Interpretation).
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Varies
Report Available
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87252-Tissue culture inoculation
87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)
87253-Additional testing virus, identification (if appropriate)
87254-Viral smear, shell vial (if appropriate)