| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Enteroviruses These viruses are often associated with fever and rash during childhood, and are also a common cause of aseptic meningitis. Molecular Tests Enterovirus & Parechovirus PCR |
Inform lab before sending | No | Specimen type | Faeces: Collect at least a pea sized amount into a stool container. Swabs: Use the Sigma-Virocult swab (GREEN CAPPED) or REMEL swab (RED CAPPED) collection kits. CSF: Collect at least 0.2ml using the CSF sample collection kit if available. A sterile container is a suitable alternative. Tissue: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. |
Ideal time to take specimen | Labelling requirements | click here | How to take the specimen | For investigation of vesicular skin lesions, rub the top off a vesicle with a sterile swab to absorb the vesicle fluid. If necessary, burst the vesicle with a sterile needle and absorb the vesicle fluid with the swab | Transport to the laboratory | If transport is delayed then store at +4°C | Test Times | Daily | Turnround | 2 working days | Additional information | Bacterial Transport Media (blue swabs), cannot be processed by molecular diagnositc methods. |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |