Virology

These tests are expensive, complicated, and not to be requested without approval of the consultant caring for the patient.

Throat swabs, Bronchial Washings (BW) and Induced Sputum

Please note samples for Respiratory virus PCR screening need to have the clinical reason for the test stated on the request and are performed in the Microbiology Department. Respiratory PCR is now a Microbiology request and not tested by the Virology laboratory.

Viruses are detected from BW and Induced Sputum:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii pneumonia) (PCP)

Samples for other viral PCR test may be processed after specific request and discussion. Viruses detected in a throat swab samples include:

  • Enterovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • HHV6
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (immunocompromised patient only)
  • Varicella Zoster Virus (immunocompromised patient only)

A Nasopharyngeal swab for an Urgent seasonal Influenza and/or Respiratory Syncytial virus (A and B) molecular screening investigation may be tested after discussion/agreement.

Microbiology Lorenzo Item name “Influenza A/B and RSV PCR”.

Urine

Viral agents which may be identified by PCR viral screen from urine include:

  • CMV
  • Adenovirus
  • BK virus
  • Mumps
  • Measles
  • Rubella virus

Faeces

Viruses detected from a stool sample include:

  • Enterovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Other Gastro Intestinal Tract viruses (to include Calicivirus, Astrovirus, Coronavirus, Norovirus and Rotavirus)

Swabs from Lesions

Rub the base of a de-roofed vesicle to include as much cellular material as possible.

Viruses detected from a lesion swab include:

  • Enterovirus
  • Parechovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Herpes Simplex Virus
  • Varicella Zoster Virus

Mouth Swabs for Stomatitis Patients

Please contact the Consultant Virologist to discuss viral agents associated with mouth swabs from this group of patients.

CSF

Viruses detected from a CSF sample include:

  • Enterovirus
  • Herpes Simplex Virus
  • Varicella Zoster Virus
  • HHV6
  • JC Virus
  • Parechovirus
  • Adenovirus

P.M. Material

Please contact the Consultant to discuss viruses associated with PM material.

EDTA Blood Sample

Non-blood borne viral agents include:

  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein Barr Virus
  • BK Virus
  • HHV6, 7 and 8 (for neonatal / immunocompromised patient only)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (for neonatal / immunocompromised patient only)
  • Varicella Zoster Virus (for neonatal / immunocompromised patient only)
  • Enterovirus
  • Parechovirus
  • Adenovirus

For all urgent samples, please ensure receipt by the laboratory before 3.00pm.