Diagnostics: virology lab

Question 1

Describe the difference between the sensitivity and specificity of a test

Answer 1

Sensitivity = ability to detect false positives
Specificity = ability to detect false negatives

Question 2

Recall 3 ways of sampling for respiratory viruses

Answer 2

Bronchealveolar lavage
Nasopharyngeal aspirate
Throat swab

Question 3

What viruses can be tested for using a stool sample?

Answer 3

Entovirus
Adenovirus
Rotavirus

Question 4

What viruses can be identified in urine?

Answer 4

BK

Adenovirus

Question 5

What viruses can be detected in the CSF?

Answer 5

Herpes

Enterovirus

Question 6

How are IgM and IgG measured?

Answer 6

Serology

Question 7

What viruses can be tested for using the results of an IgG/ IgM test?

Answer 7

CMV
EBV
MMR
Parvovirus

Question 8

What additional test is required for all new confirmed HIV+s?

Answer 8

EDTA blood to test viral load

Question 9

How is viral load assessed?

Answer 9

Blood (EDTA)

Question 10

What is the most common use of immuofluorescence in testing for viruses?

Answer 10

Out-of-hours respiratory virus testing

Question 11

how can PCR be used in virus testing?

Answer 11

Can amplify DNA/ RNA sequences from a dsDNA starting block using RT

Question 12

What is the enzyme used to amplify RNA samples in PCR?

Answer 12

Taq polymerase

Question 13

What is the main advantage of multiplex PCR?

Answer 13

Can test for many different viruses simultaneously

Question 14

What test is done to test for antiviral drug resistance?

Answer 14

Sequencing