Test ID: VRESP
Viral Culture, Respiratory
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Diagnosing viral infections
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Viruses are responsible for a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and diseases. The most commonly isolated viruses are adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus (types 1-3), respiratory syncytial virus, and varicella-zoster virus.
Many viral infections can now be treated with antiviral drugs. Early laboratory diagnosis by isolation is very helpful in the medical management of these patients.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Negative
If positive, virus is identified.
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
A positive result indicates that virus was present in the specimen submitted. Clinical correlation is necessary to determine the significance of this finding.
Influenza virus infection is a state-mandated reportable disease.
Negative results may be seen in a number of situations including absence of viral disease, inability of the virus to grow in culture (examples of organisms not detected by culture include Epstein-Barr virus, rubella virus, and papilloma virus), and nonviable organisms submitted. Parainfluenza virus type 4 may also not be detected by viral culture.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Viral isolation depends on the proper collection and transport of the specimen for maximal detection of viruses in the laboratory.
This test is not useful for viruses that cannot be grown in cell culture (see Interpretation).
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Smith TF: Antibody-enhanced detection of viruses in cell cultures. In Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology. 5th edition. Edited by NR Rose, EC de Marcio, JD Folds, et al. Washington, DC, ASM Press, 1997, pp 618-624
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