Unit 16 Virology

Question 1

Specimen collection: Genital

Answer 1

Herpes Simplex

Swab lesions vigorously. Place in VTM and transport to laboratory.
Cotton, Rayon or Dacron swabs are acceptable.
Calcium alginate swabs may inactivate HSV

Question 2

Specimen collection: stool

Answer 2

Enterovirus
Adenovirus
Rotavirus

Stool should be placed in container and transported to Laboratory for processing.

Question 3

Specimen collection: Blood

Answer 3

CMV
Enteroviruses

Collect blood in EDTA tube

Question 4

Specimen collection: BM

Answer 4

CMV

Collect specimen in EDTA tube

Question 5

Specimen collection: CSF

Answer 5

HSV
Enteroviruses

Collect specimen in sterile leak-proof tube

Question 6

Specimen collection: Saliva/oral

Answer 6

Mumps
CMV

2 mL in sterile leak-proof container or place swab in VTM.

Question 7

Specimen collection: Urine

Answer 7

Adenovirus
Mumps
CMV

5 mL of clean, midstream voided urine in sterile leak-proof container

Question 8

Specimen collection: Amniotic, Pleural and other Sterile Fluids

Answer 8

Enterovirus
CMV
Parvovirus

2-5 mL in sterile leak-proof container

Question 9

Specimen collection: Nasal swab

Answer 9

Not preferred for most respiratory viruses

Place swab in VTM.

Question 10

Specimen collection: Nasal wash/BAL

Answer 10

Influenza
RSV
Adenovirus
Mumps
Parainfluenza

2-3 mL aspirate collected in sterile leak-proof container.

Question 11

Specimen collection: Throat

Answer 11

Influenza
RSV
Adenovirus
Mumps
Parainfluenza

Place swab in VTM

Less sensitive than Nasal Wash samples

Question 12

Specimen collection: Tissue

Answer 12

Various agents

At least 1g of tissue or a 3-4 mm in diameter biopsy. Place in VTM.

Question 13

Specimen collection: Vesicle Fluid, Ulcerative Lesion, EYE

Answer 13

HSV
VZV
Enteroviruses
Adenovirus

Using swab, collect fluid and cellular material by vigorously sampling the base of the lesion. Immediately place in VTM.