Specimen

Respiratory Secretions

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Sterile container for bronchial washings and bronchoalveolar lavage
specimens. Mucous or de lee trap for tracheal aspirates and 
nasopharyngeal washings.  Nasopharyngeal swabs must be collected in 
transport media available from Hospital Stores (923740) and will be 
used for culture only.

Delivery Instructions:

Mix well and place on wet ice.  Keep on ice and deliver to
laboratory immediately.

Testing Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Cultures are held for 3-4 days.

Comments:

Culture tests for seven respiratory viruses: Influenza A, influenza B, 
parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, adenovirus and Respiratory Syncytial 
Virus (RSV).

Methodology:

Shell vial culture with Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)

CPT Code:

87252

See also:
Viral Culture

See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery