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Test Code VCULR Viral Culture, Respiratory

Important Note

Use to detect common respiratory viruses as well as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Molecular methods may offer improved sensitivity. Respiratory Viruses Rapid Culture (2001504) offers a faster turnaround time.

Additional Codes

2006499

Methodology

Cell culture

Specimen Type

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), nasopharyngeal aspirate, swab, or washing, or tracheal aspirate, sputum, throat, tissue (lung, etc.).

Preferred Collection Container

M4RT

Collection Volume

3 mL fluid; 1 swab
 

Minimum Collection Volume

1 mL fluid; 1 swab

Collection Instructions

Specimen should be collected during the acute phase of the disease. For swabs, use transport medium provided by the laboratory for specimen transportation. Lower respiratory tract specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or aspirates, tracheal secretions or sputum: Collect 3 mL in  sterile container.  Swabs supplied with M4RT collection kit should be used. Specimens should be transported immediately to the  Clinical Laboratory.

Transport

Refrigerated

Rejection Criteria

Calcium alginate, eSwab, dry, or wood swabs.

Specimen Storage and Stability

Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable

Turn Around Time

4-15 days

Lab Department

Referred Testing
 

Test Alias

Adenovirus culture; CMV culture; Culture for virus; Cytomegalovirus culture; enterovirus; herpes simplex virus; HSV culture; influenza A and B; parainfluenza types 1, 2, 3; RSV culture; varicella-zoster virus; VSV culture.
 

CPT Coding

87252; if definitive identification performed, add 87253

EPIC Code

LAB254B

Acceptable Collection Container

Oral and Throat Swabs: Viral transport tube(M4RT); Lower respiratory tract specimens such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or aspirates, tracheal secretions or sputum: 1 mL in Sterile container;
 Lung and other Tissue: Sterile container with 1-2 mL sterile saline;

Testing Volume

0.5 mL

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Sunday - Saturday

LOINC

6584-7