Test ID: VIRNR
Viral Culture, Non-Respiratory
Specimen Type 
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Blood*, bone marrow*, lymph node tissue, dermal, genital, oral, synovial fluid or urine** specimen is not acceptable for viral culture. For dermal or oral specimens for hand-foot-and-mouth disease or enterovirus, clearly indicate "enterovirus" on request. For dermal specimens on neonates (<1 month), clearly indicate "neonate for culture" on request.
1. For requests for cytomegalovirus on bone marrow or urine specimen, see:
a. LCMV/81240 Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Molecular Detection, PCR
2. For requests for herpes simplex virus/varicella-zoster virus on genital or dermal specimen, see:
a. LHSV/80575 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR
b. LVZV/81241 Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR
c. VDER/82048 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Dermal
*Blood, lymph node tissue, and bone marrow specimens are unproductive and frequently toxic in culture. Most molecular methods are appropriate for these specimen types. See individual real-time PCR assay test descriptions.
**Urine is acceptable only for mumps culture (see below); specimen must clearly indicate "MUMPS" to ensure proper handling and test setup.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Microbiology Request Form (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Ocular or rectal
Container/Tube: Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle (Supply T507)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Place swab in M5 viral transport media.
Additional Information: Swab with a wood handle has been shown to be toxic to some viruses and is not acceptable for culture.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Stool
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 g
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, etc.
Container/Tube: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline or multi-microbe medium (M5) (Supply T484)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Type: Urine (for mumps only)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | Swab with wood handle; blood, bone marrow, lymph node, dermal, genital, oral, or urine specimen |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated | 7 days |
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