Microbiology Specimens: Virology
Isolation of viruses is best done during the first three days of illness. Listed are the best specimens for numerous viral diseases.
Note: Please examine specimen collection and transportation supplies to be sure they do not include expired containers.
|
Disease Site |
Specimen / Site |
Likely Viruses |
|---|---|---|
|
*Enteric cytopathogenic human orphan (ECHO) virus. |
||
|
Skin |
Vesicle fluid Scrapings Biopsy |
Herpesvirus Varicella-zoster Coxsackievirus |
|
Genital area |
Vesicle fluid Exudates |
Herpesvirus Chlamydia trachomatis |
|
Respiratory system |
Throat Nasopharynx |
Adenovirus Influenza Parainfluenza Respiratory syncytial virus Rhinovirus |
|
Eye |
Exudates |
|
|
Central nervous system (CNS) |
Spinal fluid Throat Brain (biopsy) |
Echovirus* Coxsackie virus Mumps Poliovirus |