Specimen:

Respiratory Secretions

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Sterile container for bronchial washings and bronchoalveolar lavage
specimens. Mucous or de lee trap for tracheal aspirates and 
nasopharyngeal washings.  Nasopharyngeal swabs must be collected in 
transport media available from Hospital Stores (923740) and will be 
used for culture only.

Testing
Schedule:

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

Analytic Time:

Cultures are held for 3-4 days.

Comments:

Respiratory specimens, see "Viral Culture" for collection.
Culture tests for seven respiratory viruses: Influenza A, influenza B, 
parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, adenovirus and Respiratory Syncytial 
Virus (RSV).  Cultures are held for 3-4 days.

Nasopharyngeal swab specimens are accepted only if collected in 
transport media available from UIDL Client Services, 1-866-844-2522.

Methodology:

Shell vial culture with 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.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

CPT Code:

87252

See also:
Viral Culture