CULTURE VIRUS ROUTINE
General Information
HLAB/HOL Code: VCRTN
UPHSM LIS Test #: 7016
Schedule: Monday through Sunday
Testing Time: 7 days/Positive when detected
Testing Lab: Mayo Labs
UPHSM LIS Test #: 7016
Schedule: Monday through Sunday
Testing Time: 7 days/Positive when detected
Testing Lab: Mayo Labs
Specimen Info
Only 1 specimen type required, unless otherwise specified
Volume:
Temperature:
Tube Type: Non-Respiratory Sources
Collection Info:
ACCEPTABLE SOURCES:
- Dermal specimens for Enterovirus only (clearly indicate "Enterovirus" on test request)
- Feces - rectal swab (preferred); random fecal specimen (acceptable)
- Brain tissue
- Liver tissue (for CMV and herpes) refrigerated in saline or phosphate-buffered saline
- Esophageal tissue, swabs, or brushings
Urine (for mumps only)
Sterile container
0.5 mL
Temperature:
Tube Type: Non-Respiratory Sources
Collection Info:
ACCEPTABLE SOURCES:
- Dermal specimens for Enterovirus only (clearly indicate "Enterovirus" on test request)
- Feces - rectal swab (preferred); random fecal specimen (acceptable)
- Brain tissue
- Liver tissue (for CMV and herpes) refrigerated in saline or phosphate-buffered saline
- Esophageal tissue, swabs, or brushings
Urine (for mumps only)
Sterile container
0.5 mL
Volume:
Temperature:
Tube Type: Respiratory Sources
Collection Info:
*** VIRAL CULTURES CANNOT BE PERFORMED ON RESPIRATORY SOURCES AT THIS TIME ***
Bronchoalveolar lavage or sputum
Sterile container
1 mL
Throat
BBL CultureSwab or Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle. Place swab in viral transport media
Swab with a wood handle has been shown to be toxic to some viruses and is not acceptable for culture.
Nasopharyngeal
Dacron or polyester-tipped aluminum or plastic shaft NP swab. Place swab in viral transport media.
Temperature:
Tube Type: Respiratory Sources
Collection Info:
*** VIRAL CULTURES CANNOT BE PERFORMED ON RESPIRATORY SOURCES AT THIS TIME ***
Bronchoalveolar lavage or sputum
Sterile container
1 mL
Throat
BBL CultureSwab or Dacron-tipped swab with plastic handle. Place swab in viral transport media
Swab with a wood handle has been shown to be toxic to some viruses and is not acceptable for culture.
Nasopharyngeal
Dacron or polyester-tipped aluminum or plastic shaft NP swab. Place swab in viral transport media.
Specimen Acceptability
** If a dermal sample is submitted for (non-Enterovirus) viral culture , the laboratory will automatically change the testing to PCR for Herpes and Varicella zoster. **
Methods
Routine cell culture for viral detection. A rapid shell vial cell culture assay will be inoculated when
appropriate.
appropriate.
Clinical Utilities
Detection of viral infections.
SOURCES NOT RECOMMENDED OR NOT ACCEPTABLE:
- Blood, lymph node tissue, and bone marrow/bone tissue specimens are frequently toxic to cell culture lines. Most molecular methods are appropriate for these specimen types (exception: bone tissue)
- Ocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous): viral culture is NOT recommended due to usually inadequate volumes. PCR is recommended.
- Genital, synovial fluid, wound swab or tissue (includes pus, drainage, or abscess fluid)
SOURCES NOT RECOMMENDED OR NOT ACCEPTABLE:
- Blood, lymph node tissue, and bone marrow/bone tissue specimens are frequently toxic to cell culture lines. Most molecular methods are appropriate for these specimen types (exception: bone tissue)
- Ocular fluids (vitreous and aqueous): viral culture is NOT recommended due to usually inadequate volumes. PCR is recommended.
- Genital, synovial fluid, wound swab or tissue (includes pus, drainage, or abscess fluid)
CPT Codes
87252 Tissue culture inoculation, 87176 Tissue processing (if appropriate),
87253 Additional testing for virus identification (if appropriate), 87254 Viral smear
shell vial (if appropriate), 87176 Homogenization tissue (if appropriate).
87253 Additional testing for virus identification (if appropriate), 87254 Viral smear
shell vial (if appropriate), 87176 Homogenization tissue (if appropriate).
* The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding
is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.
Reference Range
Negative
If positive, virus is identified
If positive, virus is identified
