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