| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Respiratory Viruses A diverse group of viruses can cause respiratory disease and these tend to circulate at higher levels during the winter months. The respiratory virus screen detects: influenza A, influenza B, respiratory virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza viruses types 1-4, rhinovirus, adenovirus. If Coronoviruses OC43, 229E, NL63 or HKU1 are requested please contact the laboratory. Molecular Tests Respiratory Virus PCR |
Inform lab before sending | No | Specimen type | Nasopharyngeal aspirate: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. Bronchoalveolar lavage: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. Swabs: Take a nose and then a throat swab and put both in the single green-topped Virocult tube before returning it to the Virology laboratory. REMEL swab (RED CAPPED) collection kits are a suitable alternative swab collection kit. |
Ideal time to take specimen | Labelling requirements | click here | How to take the specimen | Nose swab - tilt the patient’s head back and gently insert the swab along the medial part of the nasal septum, as far as possible. Rotate the swab several times and then remove and put it into the Virocult tube – you will need to break the shaft of the swab to fit inside the tube. Throat swab – vigorously swab only the posterior pharyngeal wall and put it into the Virocult tube. |
Transport to the laboratory | If transport is delayed then store at +4°C | Test Times | Daily | Turnround | Respiratory Virus PCR: 24 hours | Additional information | Bacterial Transport Media (blue swabs) cannot be processed by molecular diagnostic methods. |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |