Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Mucous trap or DeLee 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:

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Comments:

Screening test for Influenza A and B, Adenovirus, Respiratory Syncytial 
Virus, Parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3.  Test is run daily.  Culture will be 
ordered to confirm negative results.

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 should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.
Submit in leakproof container.
Specimen source is required on requisition for processing.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

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

See also:
Viral Culture