Specimen Requirements

Viral culture is typically a slow and insensitive diagnostic method and is often not recommended when there are molecular testing alternatives.

Respiratory Specimens (nasopharyngeal swabs and BAL)

See Respiratory Pathogens by FilmArray PCR panel (LAB3359)

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

See HSV 1/2 PCR (LAB9170) and/or Enterovirus PCR (LAB8620).

Dermal Swab Specimens

See HSV Lesions PCR (LAB3549) and/or VZV PCR, Swab (LAB1230844)

Genital Swab Specimens

See HSV Lesions PCR (LAB3549)

Submit only one of the following specimens

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab (NP)
Container/Tube: Flocked swab with Viral Transport Media (UTM)
Collection Instructions: Tilt the head of the patient, gently insert the swab through one of the nostrils and into the nasal passage. Rotate the swab tip several times across the mucosal surface. Remove the swab and insert into the red top tube of viral transport medium (UTM) immediately. Push the swab into the tube and break the plastic shaft swab at the break line. Replace cap and screw on tightly.

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate
Container/Tube: Viral Transport Media (UTM)

Note: nasopharyngeal swabs are the preferred upper respiratory specimen type.

Collection Instructions: If possible, obtain specimen during the acute phase of the illness when the greatest amount of viral shedding is present.
1) Nasopharyngeal wash-volumes of 2-3 mL are recommended. (Excessive wash volumes may decrease the sensitivity of the assay).
2) Place specimen in viral transport media (UTM).
3) Transport within 24 hours.

Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, Sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile collection container

Specimen Type: Body fluid (indicate source/type).

Container/Tube: Sterile collection container

Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Store at 2-8°C. Specimens must be received by Spectrum Health Laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Freeze at –70°C if transport exceeds 24 hours.

Specimen Type: Tissue

Container/Tube: Sterile collection container. Viral Transport Media (UTM) may be used for small tissues if immediate transport is not available.

Specimen Type: Stool

Container/Tube: Sterile collection container. Viral Transport Media (UTM) may be used if immediate transport is not available.

Collection Instructions: Fill specimen to the line indicated on the container. Do not overfill. Send specimen to the lab immediately. See reference material on the left for patient instructions on stool collection.