For rapid detection of Adenovirus, the specimen is inoculated by centrifugation onto a monolayer and stained for Adenovirus antigen with monoclonal antibody at 24 and 72 hours post inoculation (in addition to standard viral culture). Swabs (in Viral Transport Media), body fluids or tissue can be submitted.

See Adenovirus Shell Vial in the online Laboratory Test Guide.

For rapid detection of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), the specimen is inoculated by centrifugation onto a monolayer and stained for CMV antigen with monoclonal antibody at 24 and 48 hours post inoculation in addition to standard viral culture. Swabs (in Viral Transport Media), body fluids or tissue can be submitted. This test is recommended for all lung biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage specimens and tissue specimens.

See Rapid Detection Cytomegalovirus in the online Laboratory Test Guide.

The Virology Laboratory can complete the identification of viruses isolated in other laboratories. HSV isolates are confirmed as HSV-1 or HSV-2 by FA. Non-HSV isolates are identified and confirmed by monoclonal antibody. Submit the infected cell culture as soon as possible after detecting cytopathic changes in the cell monolayer. Call the laboratory (206) 437-8037 to arrange this service.

Isolation of Epstein Barr Virus is not routinely available-see PCR or serologic detection methods. PCR for Human Herpes Virus type 6 (HHV6) and HHV8 are also available. Please see the Molecular Diagnostic (PCR) section for PCR tests.

See Herpes Simplex Virus – Syptype 1 & 2 Only in the online Laboratory Test Guide.

Specimens submitted for this assay are processed primarily for the identification of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Appropriate specimens include lesions, genital sites, conjunctival swabs, throat swabs, rectal swabs, buffy coats (EDTA or heparinized) or BAL fluid. First morning voids of urine are more concentrated and contain the highest titers of virus.

Specimens to rule out HSV-1 or HSV-2 are read daily for 5 days, and then every other day before being reported as negative after 14 days of observation. CMV and VZV are slow growing viruses and their cultures are maintained for 21 days before being reported. All negative Herpes group cultures receive a preliminary report after 5 days incubation. Positive culture results are reported as soon as virus is detected. All positive cultures are confirmed by FA and HSV isolates are subtyped with monoclonal antisera.

Herpes group Viral cultures can be combined with either the Herpes group FA, the CMV antigenemia assay, the CMV rapid assay, or the VZV rapid assay. Because of the extreme lability of VZV, any culture for this virus is automatically combined with the Herpes group FA to detect VZV antigen.

See Herpes Group Culture (HSV 1 & 2, CMV, VZ) in the online Laboratory Test Guide.

Specimens that are submitted for a Viral culture screen are processed to detect the following:

• Adenovirus
• Coxsackie
• Echoviruses
• Herpes Group Viruses
• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Rhinovirus

Appropriate specimens include throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, nasal washes, rectal swabs, conjunctival swabs, lesion swabs, urine, CSF and tissues. Positive culture results are reported the day the virus is detected. All positive cultures are confirmed by another method; usually monoclonal antibody (FA). Order “Viral Culture: Screen”.

Specimens are read every other day for 14 days before a final report is issued. Some specimen sites are appropriate for CMV or VZV isolation which are slower growing viruses. In this case, a preliminary negative report is issued at 14 days and the final report follows in 21 days.

See Viral Culture Screen in the online Laboratory Test Guide.