VIRAL TESTING

Question 1

What are the different methods for viral detection?

Answer 1

cytology, viral culture, viral antigen detection, viral nucleic acid detection, serology

Question 2

What does a viral culture require?

Answer 2

a viable virus, and they are labile outside. you must submit specimen in appropriate viral transport medium (except CMV) and keep at appropriate temp. Transport medium contains antibiotics and anti fungal.

Question 3

Where are viruses normally grown?

Answer 3

in tissue culture

Question 4

When can a virus be detected?

Answer 4

it varies based on type of virus. CMV and herpes can be detected in 24-48 hours. Adenovirus is 2-20 days. It is being replaced by NAT and antigen.

Question 5

What is cytology detection in viral lab testing?

Answer 5

microscopically look at specimen to detect known cytopathic effect. ex. herpes

Question 6

Antigen detection: results within a minute to an hour.

Answer 6

ex. rapid influenza testing

Question 7

What does serology detect?

Answer 7

antibodies