Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Mucous trap or de lee trap for tracheal aspirates or nasopharyngeal
washings.  Use sterile container for bronchial washings and
bronchoalveolar lavage specimens.

Rejection Criteria:

Swab specimens.

Testing
Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Results available within 3 hours, if received before 1400.

Comments:

Respiratory specimens, see "viral Culture" for collection.
Culture will be performed to confirm negative direct smear.

Methodology:

Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)

Sample
Processing:

Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen source is required on requisition for processing.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.
Submit in leakproof container.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.
Specimen cannot be frozen.

Transport
Instructions:

Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.

CPT Code:

87280

See also:
Viral Culture