The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Viral Conjunctivitis: Eye Swabs for diagnosis by PCR

Viral Conjunctivitis: Eye Swabs for diagnosis by PCR

Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a common cold, or a sore throat. Its symptoms include excessive watering and itching. The infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the other.
There are a number of viral agents that may cause conjunctivitis; Adenovirus, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) , Varciella zoster virus (VZV) and Enterovirus

Tube Red topped UTM Viral swab
ID 3667
Additional Information Multiplex PCR testing is carried out to detect viral targets. Full clinical details should be given.
Turn Around 3 days
Send to LGI Microbiology Department
Collection Con A sample of the discharge from the eye should be taken and sent in a Copan swab tube
IP Routine TAT 3 days
GP Routine TAT 3 days