Virology Samples
Specific test requirements for Virology testing can be found in the user manual
Samples will be tested in some cases based on clinical details. It is essential that full clinical details including travel history and status of immunity/immunosuppression along with patient demographics are provided to allow appropriate tests to be selected.
Types of Specimens:
Serum Samples
Serum Samples are required for antibody detection tests IgG/IgM
Take sample in serum gel tube or serum separator - min 5 mls
Adult: Red top, yellow ring - ensure tube is filled to line. Separate samples should be sent for blood sciences requests.
Paediatrics: Red top, white ring. Multiple tests may require multiple bottles.
Do not use tubes with additives.
Plasma Samples
Plasma Samples are required for molecular PCR tests
Adults: Lavender top, black ring, ensure tube is filled to line. Multiple tests require additional tubes.
Paediatrics: Lavender top, white ring
Samples for CMV, EBV, Adenovirus PCR tests need to be in the lab by 9:30am (Mon to Sat) for same day testing.
Viral swab sample - Copan flocked swabs
Pink top Copan Swabs. Suitable for Skin swabs, eye swabs, throat swabs, nose swabs, vesicle fluid swabs for PCR
Respiratory Sample
Nasopharyngeal aspirate BAL or Tracheal Aspirate in Sterile Universal. Samples should reach the laboratory by 9:30 am for same day testing (NB: Respiratory testing at weekends is normally only on Sundays except during peak influenza season)
CSF Sample
Send separate sample and request from other investigations in a sterile Universal. Suitable for PCR testing.
Faeces sample
Samples for faecal virology will not be routinely tested in all patients. Indicated for immunocompromised patients and suspected community acquired outbreaks. Suitable for PCR testing
Tissue Sample
If small biopsy or aspirate sample, moisten with sterile saline. Send in sterile universal. Suitable for PCR testing
Urine Sample
Urine samples for virology should be sent in sterile containers,do not use containers with boric acid preservative
Transport
Samples should reach the laboratory within 24 hrs. If this is not possible refrigerate.
HIV and Hepatitis Viral Load samples must be centrifuged within 24 hours of the sample been taken so should be sent without delay. External users of this service can send serum samples instead of whole blood if transport is likely to be delayed.
TB QuantiFERON tests and T spot should not be refrigerated and must be received within 16 hours of collection. See sampling for TB QuantiFERON tests and T spot on our tests and tubes site
Viruses Associated by Clinical Syndrome
Clinical Syndrome/Details |
Viruses Associated |
Specimen & Comments |
Test Method |
Conjunctivitis/Keratitis/ Retinitis |
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Adenovirus Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) Enterovirus Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
Viral Eye Swab |
PCR |
Mucous or cutaneous membranes - vesicular or ulcerative lesions |
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Adenovirus Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) Enterovirus
|
Viral Swab sample, skin lesions, mouth, lip samples |
PCR |
Maculopapular rash |
Measles Parvovirus B19 Enterovirus Rubella Syphilis
|
Various samples see test repertoire |
PCR and serology |
Respiratory Infection |
Adenovirus Influenza viruses A and B Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Parainfluenzaviruses 1-4 Metapneumovirus Rhinovirus
|
NPA BAL Tracheal Aspirate Nose and Throat swabs in VTM. |
PCR |
Exposure to Blood Bourne Virus |
Hepatitis B surface antigen Hepatitis C antibody HIV |
Serum sample Acute recipient samples will be stored only. If recipient post 3 month please include hepatitis B vaccination history in clinical details Donor samples should indicate known infection if applicable |
Serology |
Meningitis and Encephalitis |
HSV VZV Adenovirus Enterovirus. In addition for immunocompromised patients: CMV EBV JC. |
CSF sample
Faeces samples for enterovirus only |
PCR |
Myocarditis and Pericarditis |
Enterovirus Parvovirus Influenza A&B (seasonal) |
EDTA sample Faeces sample for enterovirus only Respiratory samples |
PCR |
Haemorrhagic cystitis |
Adenovirus CMV BK virus |
Urine Sample |
PCR |
Gastroenteritis |
Norovirus Rotavirus Adenovirus* Sapovirus* Astrovirus*
|
Faeces Sample * Tested on patients <5 years, all immunocompromised and immunosuppressed. External users should specifically request extended testing if required
|
PCR |
Acute Hepatitis Jaundice Abnormal LFT’s Hepatomegaly Dark urine/pale stools |
Hepatitis A, B, C, E
|
Serum sample |
Serology |
Viral Neonatal Fever |
HSV Adenovirus Enterovirus CMV EBV VZV |
EDTA sample Faeces sample for enterovirus only |
PCR |
Viral Fever > 3 months |
Adenovirus Epstein Barr Virus CMV |
EDTA sample |
PCR |
Viral Rash |
Herpes Simplex Varicella Zoster Adeno Enterovirus. |
UTM sample of affected site Faeces sample for enterovirus only |
PCR |