Microbiology Specimens: Virology

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 SiteSpecimen / SiteLikely 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

EyeExudates 
Central nervous system (CNS)

Spinal fluid

Throat

Brain (biopsy)

Echovirus*

Coxsackie virus

Mumps

Poliovirus

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