ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Viral Culture, Non-Respiratory : 2006498

Mnemonic: V VIRAL N

Ordering Recommendation: Generally, virus-specific testing (eg, antigen detection or molecular) is recommended.
Methodology: Cell Culture
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 3-14 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Eye swab, lesion, stool, tissue (brain, colon, kidney, liver, etc.), or urine.

Specimen Preparation: Fluid or Stool: Transfer to sterile, leak-proof container.
Swabs or Tissue: Place in viral transport media (ARUP Supply #12884). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787
Place each specimen in a separate, individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred.

Unacceptable Conditions: Calcium alginate, dry, or wood swabs.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Negative.
Note: Identification is billed separately from culture. Viruses that can be isolated by culture include: adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus.  However, virus-specific tests are recommended and are listed below.

The following tests are standard-of-care for diagnosing viral infection in CSF specimens:
Cytomegalovirus by PCR (ARUP test code 0060040)
Enterovirus Detection by RT-PCR (ARUP test code 0050249)
Epstein-Barr Virus by PCR (ARUP test code 0050246)
Herpes Simplex Virus by PCR (ARUP test code 0060041)
Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR (ARUP test code 0060042)

The following tests are recommended for detecting a specific virus in specimens other than CSF. If a specific virus is suspected, please indicate the virus on the test request. 

1. Cytomegalovirus. Refer to Cytomegalovirus Rapid Culture (ARUP test code 0065004 ).
2. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV). hMPV can be detected by DFA staining or nucleic acid testing. Refer to Human Metapneumovirus by DFA (ARUP test code 0060779) and Respiratory Viruses DFA (ARUP test code 0060289), or Human Metapneumovirus by RT-PCR (ARUP test code 0060784).
3. Measles virus. Refer to Measles (Rubeola) Virus Culture (ARUP test code 0065055).
4. Mumps virus. Refer to Mumps Virus Culture (ARUP test code 0065056).
5. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Refer to Respiratory Syncytial Virus DFA (ARUP test code 0060288 ).
6. Respiratory viruses. Refer to Respiratory Viruses DFA (ARUP test code 0060289); Viral Culture, Respiratory (ARUP test code 2006499); or Respiratory Viruses DFA with Reflex to Viral Culture, Respiratory (ARUP test code 0060281).
7. Varicella-zoster virus. Refer to Varicella-Zoster Virus DFA with Reflex to Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture (ARUP test code 0060282).
CPT Code(s): 87252; if definitive identification performed, add 87253